The “24 December 1963 Girne Military Hospital” was officially inaugurated with a ceremony attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, on Thursday.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a message from Turkish Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler.
Speaking at the opening, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel expressed that the historical bonds between Türkiye and the TRNC continued to guide their strong path forward.
Stressing that the new hospital would become a hallmark for the Girne region, providing services not only to locals but also to all citizens of the TRNC, Üstel highlighted that significant infrastructure, tourism, education, industry, and road projects have been completed, thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz for their unwavering support.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing all deficiencies in the country since taking office, the Premier noted that this had been achieved through the highest level of cooperation with Türkiye.
Üstel also expressed gratitude for Turkish President Erdoğan’s advocacy at the United Nations General Assembly and Türkiye’s support for the TRNC’s observer membership in the Organization of Turkic States, with hopes of attaining full membership soon.
Promising that 2025 would be the “Year of Health,” Üstel announced that the 160-bed Girne Hospital would be operational by the end of the year, along with the opening of new health centres in Lapta, Güzelyurt, and Maraş, enhancing healthcare services across the TRNC.
Stressing the heartfelt connection with Türkiye, the Premier reaffirmed their commitment to continue joint efforts through 2027.
For his part, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz conveyed President Erdoğan’s greetings and best wishes, expressing hope that the newly inaugurated hospital would be beneficial to the people of the TRNC.
He highlighted that every visit to the TRNC included meaningful collaborations and development projects.
Commemorating the 41st anniversary of the TRNC, Yılmaz underlined the significance of immortalizing the memory of 24 December 1963, a tragic day symbolizing resilience against the brutal Akritas Plan led by Greek Cypriots.
Reminding everyone of the horrific massacres perpetrated without discrimination against women, children, the elderly, and men, he affirmed that such acts of barbarism would not be forgotten.
Highlighting the deep historical significance of the newly inaugurated “24 December 1963 Girne Military Hospital” during the opening ceremony, Yılmaz noted that the name commemorates the tragic events of “Bloody Christmas”, which remains etched in the collective memory as a painful reminder of the atrocities committed against Turkish Cypriots.
Noting that the house where those events took place was preserved as the Museum of Barbarism, serving as a testament to those dark times, he added, “The hospital’s name was chosen to ensure that the suffering endured on that day is never forgotten.
Explaining that the Girne Military Hospital, which has been operational since 1974, had been serving at full capacity in its new building since August, Yılmaz reiterated that, under the newly signed protocol, the hospital would extend its services to both Turkish and TRNC citizens.
Providing further details about the 100-bed facility, Yılmaz added that plans were in place to accommodate even more patients if necessary.
He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s ongoing support for the TRNC’s development, highlighting various initiatives, including irrigation projects, the renovation of rural roads, the implementation of e-government mobile applications, and the construction of health centers across multiple regions.
Also speaking, President Ersin Tatar stressed the symbolic importance of the hospital’s name, reflecting the shared historical memory of the Turkish Cypriot community, which vividly remembers the events of 24 December 1963.
He reminded attendees that the massacres and brutality of that day were witnessed by the entire world.
Reflecting on the progress made since those dark days, Tatar celebrated the TRNC’s 41st anniversary.
Noting that the foundations for this hospital were laid three years ago, the President said, “However, construction was delayed due to the devastating earthquake on February 6, which caused significant loss and suffering.”
Also highlighting the high-quality services provided by TRNC hospitals, not only to citizens but also to foreign nationals, Tatar stressed the importance of young Turkish Cypriots pursuing their education and returning to serve their homeland to meet growing needs.
Tatar concluded by expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of this hospital, noting that the growth and formalization of the economy would enhance public services.
Following the speeches, the ceremony concluded with the cutting of the ribbon, officially opening the “24 December 1963 Girne Military Hospital.”