In line with the directive of our Honourable President on "Century of Healthy Türkiye", and with the support of Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Kemal MEMİŞOĞLU, we organized the "Productive Health" themed promotion meeting and the "From Idea to Product: Productive Health Cooperation Protocol" as part of the "Century of Healthy Türkiye" initiative. The event was held on January 9, 2025, at Ministry's Bilkent Campus, with the participation of over 400 guests, aiming to promote innovation and productivity in the fields of health technologies and health sciences.

The meeting commenced with the National Anthem and stand of silence, followed by a video presentation introducing TÜSEB. Subsequently, President of TÜSEB, Prof. Dr. Ümit KERVAN, delivered a presentation to the participants on the theme of "Productive Health".

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. KERVAN stated that Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB) was established in 2014 to meet the country's needs for advanced technology and innovation in the field of health sciences and technologies, facilitate the production of new products, and provide a scientific environment for researchers.

He stated that, as Health Institutes of Türkiye (TÜSEB), they have come together to implement the "Productive Health Model" and added that within the framework of the 'Protective, Progressive, and Productive Health Model', initiated under the leadership of our Honourable President, I am pleased to share with you the steps we are taking today and our future goals."

Prof. Dr. KERVAN stated that, as TÜSEB, we have initiated a major innovation movement in the fields of health technologies and health sciences and are progressing with a shared vision alongside a broad range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives, through "Journey from Idea to Product" process. Emphasizing that public institutions, private sector, universities, and all stakeholders supporting health innovation are with them in this process, he reiterated that everyone with an idea will be provided with the necessary support on the path from idea to product.

Prof. Dr. Ümit KERVAN stated that, with the support of stakeholders, they aim to create international brand values and make Türkiye's healthcare system more independent, productive, and strong. He added, “In this journey, we define the philosophy of working together as developing through solidarity and embrace the power of coming together in common wisdom as the foundation of scientific achievements.” He concluded his speech by saying, “As we continue to make history in healthcare, we thank you for sharing this excitement with us and look forward to building our future successes together!”

Following Prof. Dr. KERVAN's presentation, Deputy Chairman of the Health and Food Policies Council of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Serkan TOPALOĞLU, Minister of Industry and Technology, Mr. Mehmet Fatih KACIR, and Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Kemal MEMİŞOĞLU, delivered their speeches.

In his opening speech, our Minister of Health greeted all guests and announced that they had taken another significant step in the field of healthcare. He stated that, with the "Protective, Progressive, and Productive Health" model, they would implement the "Century of Healthy Türkiye" program in the upcoming period. Minister Mr. MEMİŞOĞLU stated, “We see our 'Productive Health' model as a significant step in creating brands and added value in the healthcare sector, meeting our own needs, and exporting technology and products to the world. Our first major step is to establish Technology Transfer Offices in our City Hospitals, starting with Etlik, Bilkent, and Çam Sakura.” Continuing his speech by stating, “Our 'Productive Health' model will, hopefully, be the driving force behind our national healthcare technology initiative,” our Minister then shared exciting news. He announced that, as of yesterday, the General Assembly of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) had approved the coverage of healthcare services in scientific studies supported by TÜSEB by the Social Security Institution (SGK).

Following the speech of our Minister, the signing ceremony for the "From Idea to Product: Productive Health Collaborations Protocol" took place during the launch event.

The President of TÜSEB signed significant collaboration protocols in line with innovative goals in the healthcare sector.

Establishment of Technology Transfer Office

Technology Transfer Offices (TTO), set to be launched initially within Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Etlik City Hospital, İzmir City Hospitals, and Istanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, mark a significant starting point in developing innovative solutions in healthcare technologies. Established with the vision of "From Idea to Product: Export," these offices will be gradually expanded to other city hospitals in the future.

Strong Steps in Healthcare Sector with New Protocols

Among the significant agreements signed were the Framework Protocol on the Procurement of Medical Devices, Medical Supplies, and Products between the General Directorate of Emergency Health Services, the General Collaboration Protocol between the General Directorate of Public Hospitals, Technology Transfer Offices, and Clinical Research Centers, as well as the Collaboration Protocol on the Development of Microbiological Molecular Diagnostic Kits and the Collaboration Protocol on the Use of Patient Samples and Standards/Controls with the General Directorate of Public Health.

Public-Private-University Triple Helix Model

The Productive Health Model brings together all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, from healthcare professionals and industrialists to universities and entrepreneurs, creating a platform that will enable ideas to be transformed into products. The Triple Helix model aims to reduce dependence on foreign resources through extensive collaboration between universities, the public, and the private sector, from idea to product, prototype to mass production, with innovative medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and strategic products.

With the Productive Health Model, Türkiye aims to position itself among the leading countries in healthcare technologies, achieving savings in the domestic market and gaining competitive strength in the international market with high-value-added products. The protocols signed with ASELSAN, TÜBİTAK, Bıçakçılar, Yerlika Biopharma, Disposet, and Biosys Biomedical have paved the way for significant steps in promoting productivity and innovation in healthcare technologies. These collaborations play a critical role in enabling Türkiye to achieve a stronger position in the international arena in healthcare technologies.

Prototypes Exhibited in the Foyer Area: Innovative Solutions in Health and Technology

As part of the promotional event with the theme "Productive Health," numerous innovative prototypes and advanced medical devices were displayed in the foyer area. Participants had the opportunity to gain detailed information about these prototypes. Among the prototypes exhibited in the foyer area, products crucial for patients' well-being occupy a significant place both in clinical use and in R&D efforts. Products developed by biotechnology companies were also showcased in the foyer area. These products have the potential to create innovation, particularly in the treatment of diseases, and aim to provide a significant boost to R&D efforts.

Within the framework of the collaboration protocol signed with ASELSAN, prototypes related to healthcare technologies attracted significant attention in the foyer area. In addition to products such as medical devices, ASELSAN's knowledge and experience sharing in healthcare technologies also stood out as a major innovation.

The prototypes displayed in the foyer area not only showcased technological developments and collaborations in the healthcare sector but also once again highlighted the significant steps being taken to strengthen Türkiye's healthcare infrastructure. The program, in which all the details of Productive Health were shared with the participants, concluded with a visit to the foyer area where the prototypes prepared in collaboration with TÜSEB were exhibited.