The Vehbi Koç Foundation: Pioneers in Philanthropy and Healthcare
The Vehbi Koç Foundation, an esteemed charitable organization affiliated with Turkey’s largest and Fortune 500 company, Koç Holding, has been a beacon of philanthropy and progress since its establishment in 1969 by the visionary Koç Group founder, Vehbi Koç.
Founding Principles:
Dedicated to the mission of advancing contemporary and developing Turkey, the Vehbi Koç Foundation has been unwavering in its commitment to addressing life’s most fundamental needs—education, health, and culture. Over the years, we have actively engaged in numerous charitable initiatives that have left a lasting impact on Turkish society.
Charitable Foundations:
VKV Healthcare Foundation:
Since our inception in 1969, the Vehbi Koç Foundation has set a new standard for excellence in philanthropy. Our commitment to healthcare is exemplified through the creation of world-class medical facilities, including hospitals that deliver top-tier care, museums that celebrate and preserve Turkish culture, and prestigious academic institutions at all levels.
VKV Nursing Fund:
Established in 1974, the VKV Nursing Fund has played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the challenges faced by the nursing profession in Turkey. It serves as the cornerstone of our efforts to elevate the nursing profession, fostering innovative and lasting solutions.
Project Support/Healthcare:
In addition to our healthcare institutions, we have supported various healthcare projects. Some notable projects include:
– 2007: Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Vehbi Koç Eye Hospital
-2002: Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital Vehbi Koç Emergency Medical Center
– 1985: Haydarpaşa Numune Hospital Vehbi Koç Foundation Traffic Accidents and 1st Level Treatment Services Facilities
-1963: Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Vehbi Koç Eye Bank
These initiatives underscore our dedication to advancing healthcare in Turkey.
A Legacy of Excellence:
The Vehbi Koç Foundation manages a comprehensive healthcare network, including hospitals, outpatient services, nursing training and development programs, and public health initiatives. This network represents Turkey’s most significant private investment in the field of health.
For over two decades, the Vehbi Koç Foundation has supported the American Hospital, ultimately incorporating it into our foundation in 1995. Today, it stands as a testament to a century of accumulated knowledge, international healthcare standards, and cutting-edge technology, offering high-quality medical and surgical services.
Advancing Education
One of our proudest accomplishments in the realm of education is the establishment of Koç University. Despite its relatively short history, Koç University has rapidly become one of Turkey’s most prestigious institutions. In 2010, Koç University School of Medicine commenced admissions, further solidifying our commitment to developing exceptional human capital in healthcare.
Koç University Hospital:
Operational since October 2014, Koç University Hospital serves as the research and training hospital of Koç University. This state-of-the-art facility combines a commitment to international standards with a caring environment, supporting society through top-tier healthcare.
International Patient Services at Koç Healthcare
Every year, Koç Healthcare in Istanbul welcomes thousands of individuals from around the world in search of high-quality, dependable, fast, and cost-effective medical care.
From your initial inquiries and concerns about medical treatment, our team is dedicated to assisting you throughout every phase of your healthcare journey, all in your native language. To ensure you are fully informed about our facilities and to streamline the process of receiving treatment in a foreign country, our support program begins well before your arrival.
Language will never be a barrier during your stay. Our medical professionals possess both academic expertise and fluency in English. Moreover, our patient coordinators are available in your native language throughout your hospital stay, providing you with comprehensive, complimentary assistance for all your needs.
At our hospitals, we prioritize your individual requirements when planning your care and treatment. Whenever possible, we make accommodations based on factors such as your age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion, beliefs, or sexuality. We offer a range of private rooms, suites, and junior suites designed to maximize the comfort of both patients and their loved ones. For our international patients, we arrange airport reception and private transportation to the hospital with dedicated drivers.
Prior to your visit, our International Patient Programs Department will furnish you with comprehensive information regarding projected treatment plans, cost estimates, appointment scheduling, interpretation services, transportation options, accommodation recommendations, and eligibility for insurance coverage.
At Koç Healthcare, we are committed to ensuring your medical journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to provide exceptional care tailored to your unique needs.
A Legacy of Firsts:
We take immense pride in pioneering numerous medical breakthroughs in Turkey, including:
– Turkey’s first nursing school (1920)
– Introduction of quick postoperative physical activity in Turkey (1945)
– First spinal anesthesia in Turkey (1946)
– First use of surgical thread in Turkey (1947)
– First complete blood transfusion in a baby in Turkey (1949)
– Turkey’s first natural childbirth program (1953)
– Turkey’s first private family planning clinic (1972)
– Turkey’s first computerized hospital system (1977)
– Turkey’s first intensive care nursing program (1978)
– Turkey’s first hospital health fair (1981)
– Turkey’s first group therapy unit for alcoholics (1982)
– Turkey’s first outpatient operation (1983)
– Turkey’s first rooftop ambulance heliport (1986)
– Turkey’s first operating center for outpatients (1987)
– Turkey’s first preventative care medical center (1988)
– Turkey’s first specialized intensive care unit (1990)
– Turkey’s first private infertility education center (1995)
– Turkey’s first brain surgery using microelectrodes for movement disorders (1996)
– Turkey’s first non-surgical aortal valve replacement (2009)
– Turkey’s first robotic thoracic surgery (2010)
These achievements reflect our enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare.
Join us in our mission to shape a better future for Turkey through education, healthcare, and culture. The Vehbi Koç Foundation remains steadfast in its dedication to progress, innovation, and philanthropy.
