Backlash grows over AKP deputy's scandalous remarks: He backtracks and apologizes

AKP Kırklareli Deputy Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam made scandalous remarks directed at healthcare workers during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kırklareli Pınarhisar 5-Physician Family Health Center and 112 Emergency Health Services Station building held on February 10.

"GO GRAB THE HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL BY THE THROAT"

In his speech, Sarıçam said, "We have been building infrastructure in Lüleburgaz, Babaeski, Kırklareli, and Pınarhisar for almost 2 years now. This is all we can do. We are not doctors, we are not nurses. From now on, if there is dissatisfaction, I will tell the citizens this: 'Go grab the healthcare personnel by the throat. I have done my part as the state. They are the ones not providing the service.' I will incite them, let me say this clearly."

STATEMENT CAME AFTER THE SCANDALOUS REMARKS

Following the remarks that drew backlash, a statement came from the AKP deputy, Sarıçam. Sarıçam said the following:

"In recent days, only a portion of my speech has been cut and shared on social media and in some press outlets, leading to a major misunderstanding. My speech at the opening ceremony in Pınarhisar was taken out of context, creating a perception as if I had made a negative call against healthcare workers.

"ONLY CERTAIN PARTS OF THE SENTENCES WERE TAKEN AND AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO LOAD A DIFFERENT MEANING"

First of all, I would like to state this clearly: Our healthcare workers are our crown jewels! While they work selflessly day and night, it is never possible for me or anyone else to ignore their efforts. My aforementioned words were part of a speech expressing that we, as the state, have completed our health investments and that the service should be carried out in the best possible way for both sides. However, without looking at the speech as a whole, only certain parts of the sentences were taken and an attempt was made to load a different meaning onto them."

"I APOLOGIZE TO THE HEALTHCARE WORKERS"

Even though my speech video was edited and distorted, I apologize to all the healthcare workers I have upset and who have shown sensitivity and felt offended by this. Please forgive me. In fact, as a deputy who has always stood by healthcare workers, a joke I made while smiling at many healthcare worker friends I am sincere with, who were present there, has been distorted by some journalists and turned into an act of provocation.

It is clearly seen that there is a deliberate distortion and a political move here. I request the public to be careful against such manipulations. In order not to give rise to misunderstandings, I request that the entirety of my speech be taken into account, and I offer my love and respect to all our healthcare workers."

My Statement to the Public

In recent days, only a portion of my speech has been cut and shared on social media and in some press outlets, leading to a major misunderstanding. My speech at the opening ceremony in Pınarhisar was taken out of context, as if I had made a negative call against healthcare workers… pic.twitter.com/hm1hORTELt

— Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam (@gokhansaricam) February 16, 2025

STATEMENT ALSO CAME FROM THE MINISTRY

The statement made by the Ministry of Health regarding the matter included the following expressions:

"It has become necessary to make the following statement regarding the speech that was reflected in the press today, for which the speaker apologized, stating that it was misunderstood. Our great health family, which reaches 1.5 million, works with all its might every day for the health of millions of our citizens. Our great health family has displayed an example of superior sacrifice that has rewritten the definition of patriotism in many crises our country has gone through, from the pandemic to the earthquake disaster.

We know that satisfaction in health services depends on the satisfaction of both the service recipient and the service provider; we look after the satisfaction of our citizens and our healthcare workers together; we see these two values as inseparable parts of each other. In this context, we believe that sensitivity should be shown in statements made by all segments of society regarding our healthcare workers. It is announced to the public with respect."

It has become necessary to make the following statement regarding the speech that was reflected in the press today, for which the speaker apologized, stating that it was misunderstood.

?? Our great health family, which reaches 1.5 million, works with all its might every day for the health of millions of our citizens.…

— T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı (@saglikbakanligi) February 16, 2025