Africa's first Turkish dental hospital opens

A growing number of volunteer doctors who help people without access to adequate medical care around the world by visiting countries in need of such services are starting to implement long-term projects in target areas. One such project is the Esnan Dental Center, recently opened in Tanzania by Turkish dentists Emin Simsek and Necati Can. Last week, State Minister Zafer Caglayan personally congratulated Simsek and Can for the center, equipped with state-of-the art dental equipment. Simsek said that in 2008 and 2009 he had volunteered for a health screening project with a group of doctors from Izmir in Tanzania. "The health screenings showed us that Africa needs Turkish teachers, doctors and people in general," he said. His colleague Can also went to Tanzania for the first time as a volunteer. He said the center offers every modern-day dental treatment available, from dental implants to orthodontics. He said demand for the center was higher than expected, adding, "We urge that all Turkish doctors open health center branches in Africa."