Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said the country’s growing domestic medical technology sector has enabled Türkiye to export mechanical ventilators to 40 countries, highlighting continued investment in local manufacturing and health innovation.
Türkiye’s domestic medical technology industry has expanded significantly in recent years, according to Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu. The minister said the country now exports mechanical ventilators to 40 countries, crediting the achievement to the combined efforts of Turkish scientists, researchers, and manufacturers while emphasizing continued investment in healthcare innovation.
Türkiye has become an exporter of mechanical ventilators to 40 countries, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said, highlighting the country’s expanding domestic medical technology capabilities and growing healthcare manufacturing sector.
Speaking at a meeting with medical device industry representatives, Memişoğlu said Türkiye’s progress reflects years of collaboration between scientists, researchers, and domestic manufacturers.
“Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our scientists, researchers, and domestic manufacturers, we have become a country capable of exporting mechanical ventilators to 40 countries today. Türkiye is making significant efforts to advance both its healthcare services and its national health industry,” he said.
Domestic manufacturing gains momentum
The minister said Türkiye aims to strengthen its position not only as a provider of healthcare services but also as a developer and manufacturer of advanced medical technologies. Expanding domestic production capacity remains a strategic priority to improve supply security and support long-term growth in the healthcare sector.
Pandemic experience accelerated innovation
Türkiye rapidly developed and manufactured a domestically produced mechanical ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the country’s engineering and industrial capabilities under emergency conditions. Officials say the expertise gained during that period has contributed to the country’s current export capacity in critical medical devices.
Focus on high-value medical technologies
The Ministry of Health is continuing to promote the development of domestically manufactured medical devices, strengthen cooperation between industry and research institutions, and encourage investment in high-value healthcare technologies. The government says these efforts are intended to enhance Türkiye’s competitiveness in the global medical technology market while reducing reliance on imported strategic products.
Why It Matters
Türkiye’s domestic medical technology industry has become increasingly important for strengthening healthcare resilience and reducing dependence on imported critical medical equipment. Expanding exports of advanced medical devices also supports the country’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing and innovation hub in the global healthcare industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Türkiye currently export mechanical ventilators to 40 countries?
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu said Türkiye currently exports mechanical ventilators to 40 countries. The statement reflects the minister’s official remarks; detailed export data by destination country has not been released publicly.
When did Türkiye develop its domestic ventilator?
Türkiye developed its domestically produced mechanical ventilator during the COVID-19 pandemic through collaboration between public institutions and private industry, enabling rapid domestic production.
What is Türkiye’s national health industry strategy?
The strategy focuses on expanding domestic production of medical devices and other healthcare technologies, supporting research and innovation, and strengthening the country’s manufacturing capacity.
Why is domestic medical technology important?
Local production improves supply chain resilience, reduces dependence on imported critical equipment, and enhances a country’s ability to respond to public health emergencies while supporting high-value exports.
Source: Anadolu Agency, Ministry of Health of Türkiye
