Turkey to host Liver Transplantation Congress in 2020

By Yesim Sert Karaaslan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will host the annual congress of International Liver Transplantation Society in 2020, an official said Thursday.

The event will be held in Istanbul, Yaman Tokat, head of Turkish Liver Transplant Association, told Anadolu Agency.

“This is important in terms of promoting specialized services in Turkey’s healthcare system as well as the value of international lobby and soft power,” Tokat added.

Tokat stressed around 3,000 scientists will visit Istanbul for the congress.

Eyup Kahveci, head of Turkish Transplant Foundation (TONV), said: “Turkey's high experience in organ transplantation provides advantage in establishing strong cooperation between civil and official institutions and organizations via health diplomacy, promoting healthcare system and services in Turkey, creating strong relationships among professionals with experience sharing and information exchange and strengthening our competitive advantage.”

A committee of 25 officials departed to Canada’s Toronto province for this year’s congress in May.

Tokat said they visited organ transplantation and research center in Toronto University, exchanged information and experience with Canadian experts and observed best practices.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur