Mentioned in the 'Newborn Gang' baby-killer scandal: Tension between families and staff at former minister Müezzinoğlu's hospital
Citizens who came to pick up their babies from the Private Avcılar Hospital in Avcılar, owned by former Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu—whose hospital was named in the indictment prepared regarding the baby-killing 'Newborn Gang'—argued with staff. Müezzinoğlu had previously stated, "I received information from the hospital management, so my conscience is clear. My colleagues are people who do their jobs well."
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The 'Newborn Gang,' which caused the deaths of numerous babies and generated illicit profits by transferring newborns to private hospitals in Istanbul, has become the primary agenda in Turkey.
The Private Avcılar Hospital in Avcılar, owned by former Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, was among the hospitals named in the indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the scandal that shook Turkey, and whose licenses were announced to have been revoked by the ministry.
Relatives of those receiving treatment at Müezzinoğlu's hospital flocked to the facility following the Newborn Gang scandal.
In particular, relatives of babies receiving treatment in the neonatal unit demanded that their children be transferred to other hospitals as soon as possible.
Tension erupted at the hospital when families waiting in line to pick up their babies were kept waiting for a long time.
In a video shared on social media, citizens were seen protesting the Private Avcılar Hospital.
A victim who said their child had been in the hospital for 2 months stated, "They were admitted at 2 kilos 400 grams and discharged at 2 kilos 100 grams. We pumped milk and brought it, but they didn't give it to the baby. They threw it in the trash. They intubated my baby 3 times," they said.
— TWDb (@db___tw) October 19, 2024
BABIES TRANSFERRED
Eight babies receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at the Private Avcılar Hospital in Avcılar, which was named in the newborn baby scandal, were transferred to various hospitals by private ambulances assigned by the Provincial Health Directorate.
Health Ministry officials, who arrived at the private hospital in Avcılar around 20:00, informed the management that their licenses had been revoked and that the decision for a gradual evacuation would be implemented.
Subsequently, the hospital's exterior and illuminated signs were turned off.
Officials began identifying patients in the wards. The 8 babies in incubators receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit in the building were taken into specially equipped ambulances and transferred to public health institutions. A father whose one-week-old baby was transferred stated that they were in a very difficult situation, saying, "We are speechless. We are very sad."