The Greek hospital Baloukli in Constantinople was founded in 1753 and has 800 beds distributed in 17 buildings spread over 42,000 square metres. Its financial resources come from the exploitation of real estate and Greek family's manors, and from patients' medical expenses. The indigent Greek patients are treated free of charge and the hospital is reasonably priced for the rest of Turkish and Greek patients.

No Greek staff 

The organization, the neatness and the medical and nursing care of the hospital is exemplary, but the treatment rooms and the laboratories are almost entirely staffed by Turks due to the lack of Greek doctors and nurses. The president is of Greek origin and just a couple of the doctors.

It's a pity that there are no Greeks to take advantage of the high wages for doctors working in the  hospital. The very few Greek children of Constantinople mostly orientate to professions that have to do with staffing Greek schools, the Patriarchate and the Greek Consulate, and are not interested in the various professions of the medical field. 

Uncertain future

The laws about the foundations, that are occasionally discussed in the Turkish parliament, decisively influence the existence of the homogeny institutions, among which the Greek hospital as well. It may seem like a paradox, but there are still Turkish parties, especially secular ones, for whom the 2-3,000 elderly people, most of them members of the Greek community, are considered to be a threat for Turkey, a country of 80 million people.

The protection of minority's rights in Turkey is not self-evident, as it is in the rest of Europe, and that is the reason why Greeks' long-lasting legacy is in constant danger.
TEXT-PHOTOS: GEORGE ZAFEIROPOULOS
SOURCE: www.greecewithin.com

MORE PHOTOS

The hospital's cleanliness is exemplary.

It also offers excellent dental services.

The hospital's pharmacy preserves its initial aristocratic furnishing.

Pharmaceutical active substances are kept in elegant containers, arranged on shelves.

The hospital's buildings have been built according to the Greek architectural style.

Saint Charalampos church in the hospital's yard.

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