Education programs on health, tourism and culture topics for physicians and health workers who are willing to practice in the field of tourism are being arranged within the scope of cooperation protocol which has previously been signed between Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The Symposium and Workshop arranged by Turkish Medical Association (TTB) on “Family Medicine in Its Fifth Year” were held at Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine Conference Hall on February 27-28, 2010. Activities attracted broad participation especially from the health centers in Ankara; approximately 300 people attended the workshop and symposium. Forum and working group reports will be released within the shortest time.

The unions, associations and professional organizations representing health services workers conducted a protest against the draft law on State Hospitals Associations which is being discussed in TBMM (Turkish Grand National Assembly) Plan and Budget Committee and made a press statement in front of TBMM building on March 4, 2010.

Women administrators of Turkish Medical Association (TTB), Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) and Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (KESK) submitted a law proposal demanding that International Women's Day, March 8 must be an official holiday. Within this context, the committee members who aim to come together with women members of Turkish parliament and Turkish State Minister for Family and Women's Affairs met with The Democratic Left Party (DSP), Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and Republican People's Party (CHP) up to today. After these meetings, positive feedbacks were received.

Turkish Medical Association (TTB)’s legal bureauconveyed its report on unconstitutional articles of “Full-time Employment Law For Health Workers” to main opposition party (CHP). This study of TTB’s legal bureau has been conducted within a short period of time and as a framework to contribute to the assessment that will be done by CHP. Further studies concerning this issue are in progress.

PandemİK, Turkish Medical Association Scientific Advisory and Monitoring Board for Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 has met in Istanbul on January 13, 2010 and assessed the allegations concerning pandemic influenza H1N1 that had recently appeared on media.

“Protocol on Health, Tourism and Culture Education Programs” has been signed between Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Education programs on health, tourism and culture topics for physicians and health workers practicing in the field of tourism will be arranged by cooperation of the two institutions within the scope of the protocol.

Turkish National Committee on Tobacco and Health (SSUK) asked the government to preserve the provisions of law numbered 4207, namely, “Law on Protection and Control of the Damages of Tobacco Products” which extends the smoking ban in closed areas.