Editorial

Abstract

In 2017, centers called Healthy Life Centers (HLC) were opened throughout Turkey by the Ministry of Health in order to strengthen primary health care services, as well as to facilitate access to these services and to protect individuals and society against the health problems faced by everyone from seven to seventy. The number of HLC’s, which started out with 100 branches, reached 209 as of January 2021. The most important goal is to appoint healthcare personnel such as doctors, nurses, dietitians and psychologists to implement the so-called integrative health system. In order for this personnel group to work more effectively, it is of great importance that patients applying to Family Health Centers (FHC) are directed to Healthy Life Centers when necessary. In this context, it is very important to ensure coordination between HLC and FHC and keep records. In developed countries, the system is carried out this way and there are no problems. In our country, there is not enough personnel employment to complete the complementary service in FHCSs. However, within the Healthy Life Centers service program, the service is defined under the title of Nutrition Consultancy, and the services described include “Patient Monitoring Guide for Dietitians” and the services offered are listed. If a dietitian works in FHCs, these duties will become operational, which will be an important development in educating the society about nutrition.