Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan stated, "We aim for the knowledge and academic capacity of our universities and TÜSEB to contribute to the development of GSS applications." A signing ceremony for the 'Cooperation Protocol on Health Policies and Financing' took place between the Social Security Institution (SGK), Health Sciences University, Ankara University, and the Presidency of Turkey Health Institutes (TÜSEB).

The program, attended by Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, aimed to regulate the procedures and principles for cooperation on project activities, including scientific research, education, analysis, workshops, and reporting related to General Health Insurance (GSS) applications and health policies that fall under SGK's duties and authority.

"I believe that the protocol we will sign will serve as a good example of the solidarity we need." In his speech at the program, Minister Işıkhan stated that they would sign a cooperation protocol that would strengthen the common understanding of action by bringing public institutions together with the academic community.

Işıkhan emphasized that as long as there is unity and solidarity on the way to common goals, success is inevitable, stating, "Where there is cooperation, there is solution, there is solidarity, there is added value and production.

I believe that the protocol we will sign here today will serve as a good example of the solidarity we need.

As a Minister with an academic background, I would like to particularly express that I value the initiative of our academic community to contribute to the solution of problems in this important area concerning both our social security services and our continuously improving health services standards and quality." Işıkhan stated that SGK provides services under GSS and has also implemented significant regulations that facilitate access to health services, enhance quality, and prioritize citizen satisfaction.

Addressing the recent services carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in the health sector, Işıkhan noted that all these steps were taken to increase the effectiveness of health services, facilitate citizens' access to medication and treatment, and maintain a balanced health financing structure.

"We are producing new goals to leave a healthier country while growing our economy." Işıkhan emphasized that they aim for the society to consist of healthy individuals, and ensuring this continuity is considered an important indicator of economic development, stating, "Our General Health Insurance, which does not leave any of our citizens outside, and our Social Security System, which covers almost our entire population, is crucial not only for our social development but also for the future of our economic development.

While growing our economy and developing our public institutions, we are producing new projects and goals every day to leave a healthier country for future generations.

As the only reimbursement institution in public health, our goal is not only to provide health financing but also to build a quality, sustainable, reliable, and controllable health system that meets all the expectations of our insured individuals." "We aim for our universities and TÜSEB to contribute to the development of GSS applications." Işıkhan emphasized the importance of conducting studies on GSS applications and health policies with scientific and technical consultancy support, viewing universities as strategic structures that produce knowledge and guide public policies in addition to education.

Işıkhan continued, "We find the collaborations carried out with the scientific approach and academic accumulation of our universities in a dynamic and continuously evolving field like health extremely valuable.

Therefore, this cooperation established between our Social Security Institution and Ankara University, Health Sciences University, and the Presidency of Turkey Health Institutes is an exemplary model where theoretical knowledge meets practice and academic production directly contributes to public service.

We aim for the knowledge and academic capacity of our universities and TÜSEB to contribute to the development of GSS applications.

In this context, the contribution of our universities will not be limited to the evaluation of current practices but will also illuminate the development of policies and practices that will guide the future of our GSS system.

We see universities as natural and indispensable partners and support the strengthening of such collaborations with great satisfaction." "The signed protocols create a multidimensional framework for cooperation." SGK President Raci Kaya stated that they came together for a collaboration where public administration meets academic knowledge in the same direction, stating, "The protocols to be signed will create a multidimensional framework for cooperation covering scientific research, education, analysis, workshops, reporting, and project activities related to general health insurance applications and health policies.

Our aim with this cooperation is to combine the experience from practice with academic knowledge to contribute to the development of evidence-based, sustainable, and quality health policies.

The combination of scientific production power with the field experience of our public institutions is extremely valuable for the future of our health system." After the speeches, the cooperation agreement was signed by Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, SGK President Raci Kaya, TÜSEB President Ümit Kervan, Health Sciences University Rector Kemalettin Aydın, and Ankara University Rector Naci Ünüvar.