What Is SKKM? Turkey's Health Command and Control Center Explained

SKKM — Sağlık Komuta Kontrol Merkezi, or Health Command and Control Center — is the unit within each province's 112 emergency call center that coordinates all emergency health responses, including the activities of licensed private ambulance services. The 2025 Ambulance Regulation defines SKKM in Article 4(r) and places it at the center of case management and ambulance oversight. [1]Source: Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776) — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health

Role of SKKM

SKKM performs two main functions:

1. Coordination: When a private ambulance service accepts a call, it must immediately notify SKKM through ASOS. SKKM then opens the case in the system and can assign cases to available ambulance crews if needed (Article 16–17). [1]Source: Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776) — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health

2. Oversight: SKKM monitors all licensed ambulances in real time via vehicle tracking systems. Any ambulance going out of service — due to breakdown, maintenance, or accident — must notify SKKM immediately (Article 19).

How Private Ambulance Services Interact with SKKM

Licensed services like Nova Ambulans maintain continuous radio contact with SKKM throughout every mission (Article 20). The workflow:

1. Call received by the private service's call center
2. Case opened in ASOS and SKKM notified (Article 17/2)
3. Ambulance crew departs; VHF/UHF radio activated
4. Crew maintains ASOS case record; hospital handover documented
5. Completed case form submitted to SKKM within 24 hours (Article 18)

Radio Communication Requirements

The regulation requires ambulances to use VHF or UHF band vehicle radios during missions. In Istanbul, services use the Shared Radio Service (OKTH) network, with frequencies registered through the Directorate. Radio must remain active from departure to mission completion (Article 20/4). [1]Source: Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776) — Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SKKM the same as calling 112?

SKKM is embedded within the 112 call center infrastructure but operates as a specialized health coordination unit. When you call 112, your call may be routed to SKKM for health-related incidents.

Can SKKM dispatch a private ambulance?

Yes. Under Article 16, SKKM can assign cases directly to private ambulance crews when necessary.

What happens if an ambulance fails to notify SKKM?

Failure to comply with notification requirements constitutes a regulatory violation and can result in administrative fines or suspension of the ambulance's qualification certificate.

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