ISTANBUL.- In a case that causes outrage in Türkiye, authorities canceled the license of nine private hospitals in Istanbul where a network of doctors and nurses left newborn babies to die to enrich themselves through social security fraud, reported the public agency Anadolu.
For his part, the Turkish Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunç, pointed out this Sunday that the police He has already arrested 47 people, including four doctors and 18 nursesinvolved in the criminal network.
After the death of newborns, hospitals in Istanbul are closed
The alleged criminal network began to be investigated a year ago, the minister indicated, but in recent days the case came to light, when close the hospitals involved and transfer their patients to other clinics.
The authorities revoked the licenses of 9 private hospitals in various districts of Istanbul: four were closed by police and they are under police surveillance.
The investigation is secret, but Tunç confirmed that the detainees are accused of forming a network for illicit enrichment and to cause the death of babies by abandonment.
Death of newborn babies in hospitals: how did the network operate?
According to Anadolu, the gang operated through subcontracts in several neonatal intensive care units in hospitals that maintain agreements with the public social security system.
The alleged boss bribed ambulance service employees and municipal officials to refer as many newborn babies as possible to the units in his network and collect insurance fees public.
At least 10 babies died because They left them much longer than recommended in an intensive care unit or because medications were not administered adequate, notes Anadolu.
According to the NTV station, the gang left the little ones alone in the care of nurseswithout the mandatory presence and supervision of doctors.
Outrage in Türkiye over deaths of babies in hospitals
The revelation of the case caused outrage in Türkiye, among other things, due to the apparent impunity with which the gang operatedwho even threatened to kill the prosecutor who investigated the case, Anadolu reports.
Much of the health system in Turkey is public and operates through hospitals owned by the Ministry of Health, with doctors and nurses who are state officials, but there is also a network of private clinics.
Some of the latter maintain They went to the Ministry to host patients in exchange for receiving payment corresponding public social security.
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Pediatrician near me
**Interview with Dr. Selin Yilmaz, Pediatrician and Medical Ethics Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Yilmaz. The recent events in Turkey regarding the deaths of newborns and the alleged involvement of medical professionals are shocking. What is your initial reaction to these allegations?
**Dr. Yilmaz:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed heartbreaking and deeply alarming. The idea that medical professionals, who are sworn to protect life, could be involved in such heinous activities is beyond comprehension. This has the potential to severely undermine public trust in the healthcare system in Turkey.
**Editor:** The Turkish authorities have arrested 47 people, including doctors and nurses. What do you think the repercussions will be for those in the medical field, not just those directly involved?
**Dr. Yilmaz:** The repercussions will be significant. This scandal likely will lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of private healthcare facilities in Turkey. It may also instigate a broader conversation about ethics in medicine and could result in stricter training and oversight regarding how healthcare workers are held accountable. Trust is crucial in healthcare, and rebuilding it will take time and effort.
**Editor:** The investigation has been kept secret for about a year, and now several hospitals have had their licenses revoked. Is it common to see such investigations conducted in secrecy?
**Dr. Yilmaz:** In cases involving potential criminal activity, particularly in sensitive sectors like healthcare, it can be common to conduct investigations discreetly. However, transparency is essential in ensuring public confidence once the truth emerges. Authorities must balance the need for confidentiality with the obligation to inform and protect the public.
**Editor:** What do you think the broader implications are for families who have lost their newborns in this scandal?
**Dr. Yilmaz:** This tragedy goes far beyond the individual losses; it affects entire communities. Families are left with not only grief but a profound betrayal of trust in those who were meant to care for their loved ones. The psychological trauma and societal impacts can last for generations. It’s vital for the community to have access to counseling and support to help them cope with these devastating events.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Yilmaz, for your insights. This is a developing story, and we hope for justice for the families affected by these tragic events.
**Dr. Yilmaz:** Thank you for addressing such an important issue. It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for better practices in all healthcare settings.
