In Turkey, 47 individuals, including doctors and nurses, are facing trial after being accused of administering improper treatments to newborns at private hospitals in an attempt to fraudulently claim social security payments. This case has triggered widespread protests, with demonstrators demanding justice.
One of the protestors, Hacire Akinci, a mother who lost her child, shared her heartbreaking experience: “When we went to the hospital, they told us the baby was in critical condition. It was on a Tuesday. When we returned, they told us the baby had died.” She added, “They gave us a medical report stating the death was from natural causes, but we later discovered that wasn’t true. I want justice for my baby, who was born after eight years of fertility treatments.”
The scandal, one of the largest in Turkey’s recent healthcare history, has led to the deaths of at least 10 newborns. Other families have also spoken out. Cigdem Sari Nuray, whose son spent time in intensive care, attended the protests, stating, “We submitted a petition for an investigation and came here for justice, especially for the babies who died and those who are severely disabled, like my son.”
As a result of the investigation, 9 private hospitals have been shut down, and 19 institutions are now under scrutiny for their involvement.
