Analysis of the State Archives Republican Archives Documents on Tuberculosis and Fight Against Tuberculosis in the Early Republican Period in Turkiye

Abstract

Purpose: To share information obtained as a result of examination of archival documents related to tuberculosis and the fight against tuberculosis between 1923-1938. Method: Study, which is a qualitative research, was designed as a document analysis. Previous publications on subject were examined. State Archives Republican Archives Catalogue was scanned. Documents found were analysed. Selected documents were included in study. Study covers the period of Atatürk (1923-1938). Results: In early Republican period, Turkiye gave importance to fight against tuberculosis together with infectious diseases such as malaria, trachoma and syphilis. successful works initiated in Ottoman period were continued and additional works were initiated according to new practices and principles. Tuberculosis and fight against tuberculosis were discussed in "National Turkish Medical Congresses". In following period, main theme of the 11th Congress would be tuberculosis. The Ministry of Health has defined a concept for the fight against infectious diseases and implemented it. Guideline on fight against tuberculosis has started to be published. New dispensaries and sanatoriums were built. Efforts were made to increase existing bed capacity. use of BCG vaccine was introduced. New facilities were built at "Central Institute of Hygine" to start vaccine production. Participation in international exhibitions and congresses was ensured. Arrangements were made regarding the staff and salaries of doctors and nurses, and new civil servant positions were created for the fight against tuberculosis. Conclusion: It would not be wrong to say that works carried out in early Republican period were a stepping stone for the great successes to be achieved in the fight against tuberculosis in future.