In Istanbul, a large -scale scandal related to the activity of a criminal group of doctors engaged in illegal medical manipulations with newborns broke out. According to the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet , doctors sent newborns to private clinics instead of public health facilities to earn illegal profits. This scheme has led to the tragedy: at least 21 children were killed due to the carelessness of medical staff.
The main figure of the criminal group was Pediatrician Firate Sarah, who worked in the hospital of the Essenyurt area. The investigation found that the children were transferred to private clinics, where they were longer necessary and the treatment was much more expensive. However, medical care was not provided until the parents agreed to pay huge amounts.
Unjustified cruelty and negligence
In some cases, baby care was carried out by nurses who issued themselves for doctors, which led to fatal consequences. The children were infected with infections due to the lack of qualified specialists in the neonatal wards.
The criminal group is also accused of forgery and selling medicines intended for hospitals. The prosecutor's office demands for the main person being imprisoned for up to 589 years, and other participants threaten 10 to 437 years in prison.
The reaction of power
Turkey's Health Minister Kemal Memishaglu reported that 10 private clinics involved in criminal activity were closed and systemic reforms were being introduced to strengthen control over private medical institutions. In particular, special commissions will be created with the participation of specialized doctors and scientists for continuous monitoring and inspections of medical centers.
