Abstract

The course of history is changed by the major figures. Even though the reformists and revolutionists were not always appreciated while they are alive, the pacemakers, whose value is appreciated after many years, carve out a niche in history and are recognized by the society. The physicians, surgeons, and politicians influence the society deeply in the historical process. Dr. Behcet Uz, born in 1893, has been greatly admired for his medical skills, his personality promoting common action with the community when he was a mayor, and his revolutionary health care plans executed when he was the Minister of Health. Dr. Uz has been a recognized and an appreciated statesman by many. In this study, Dr. Behcet Uz, who served as the Minister of Health for two terms between 1946 and 1948; and 1954 and 1955, and his efforts in establishing the first and second National Health Care Plans and the Health Bank, which were planned to be executed both in his ministerial terms, were analyzed. Data from the Republic Archives of the Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry, Archives of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Official Gazettes and private newspapers of the period and face to face interviews performed with the relatives of Dr. Behcet Uz were taken into account.