The Ministry of Health's Directorate General of Health Services and Hospital Reform issued Instruction No. 11 on July 29, 2026, directing health and population directorates and hospital institutions nationwide. This full instruction aims to enhance summer preparedness across the country, building upon decisions made during a critical coordination meeting chaired by the Minister of Health on July 25, 2026. The directive mandates strengthening coordination, proactivity, and immediate reporting mechanisms across all relevant health entities, showing the Ministry's commitment to public health safety during the summer months.
Emergency Reporting and Coordination
The Ministry of Health emphasized the necessity of direct notification for any accident, malfunction, or emergency, stressing the importance of directly notifying authorities about such incidents without delay. Health entities are required to submit an immediate preliminary report detailing the nature of any event, the actions taken in response, and any remaining risks. This initial report is key for rapid assessment and intervention. Additionally, the instruction specifies that periodic reports outlining operational obstacles and proposed support solutions must be submitted within specified deadlines, ensuring ongoing feedback and problem-solving. A key component of this preparedness plan is the reactivation of the Emergency Committee, which is specifically tasked with follow-up and proposing practical solutions to emerging issues. To maintain operational efficiency and patient safety, any malfunction in medical devices requires immediate reporting via the dedicated digital platform to ensure prompt repair, minimizing service disruptions.
Adapting Services to Summer Demands
The Ministry of Health's directive mandates that regional specificities, including coastal, forest, and desert areas, as well as locations with high traffic density, must be thoroughly considered in service planning. This tailored approach acknowledges the diverse needs and challenges presented by different geographical and demographic patterns during summer. Emergency on-call schedules are to be adapted to seasonal population movements, ensuring adequate staffing and medical coverage where and when it is most needed. The instruction also requires ensuring safe working conditions for staff, recognizing the demanding nature of healthcare services, and maintaining the permanent readiness of equipment and ambulances to respond effectively to emergencies. To uphold legal and ethical standards, every medical evacuation must adhere to established legal controls.
The ministry plans to intensify the inspection of facilities operating 24 hours a day, reinforcing oversight and quality control. Simultaneously, it will reinforce the maternal and newborn care network, ensuring vulnerable populations receive continuous and high-quality care. Capacity for treating kidney failure patients in coastal areas and those experiencing a high summer influx will be adapted to meet increased demand, which includes supporting staff and ensuring a sufficient number of dialysis machines are available. The permanent availability of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies must be guaranteed across all facilities to prevent shortages. Additionally, critical infrastructure such as electrical installations, alarm systems, and fire-fighting equipment are to be consistently monitored, with regular maintenance checks to ensure their reliability and safety.
Broader Health System Strengthening
The Ministry of Health's plan includes strengthening dialogue with social partners, fostering collaborative efforts across the healthcare ecosystem. The directive also mandates the strict application of the health alert protocol and mandatory disease declaration procedures, reinforcing surveillance and rapid response capabilities. Coordination between public and private sectors is to be enhanced to streamline healthcare delivery and optimize resource utilization. Health institutions will continue to be connected to the fiber optic network, ensuring strong communication infrastructure essential for modern healthcare operations. Awareness and prevention campaigns will be intensified through cooperation with various sectors, civil society organizations, and media outlets, aiming to educate the public and promote healthy behaviors during the summer season.