Report controversy in care center investigation
It has been alleged that in the accusations directed at a private care center in Elazığ, practices previously found to be compliant during Ministry inspections are being treated as evidence of wrongdoing.
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The expansion of an investigation launched into a private hospital in Elazığ over allegations of "causing public loss" to also include a private dialysis center and a disability care center has brought a new controversy to the agenda.
It is claimed that certain operations of the private care center, which was reportedly included in the investigation about a month and a half later, are being considered as criminal elements, despite these practices having been found compliant with regulations during previous official inspections.
According to the allegations, the care center's activities were conducted within the framework of the Social Services Law No. 2828 and the relevant regulations and circulars of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. It is claimed that reports were prepared by the Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and Ministry inspectors during various inspections, stating that the institution was operating in accordance with the legislation.
OPINION AWAITED FROM THE MINISTRY
It has been learned that representatives of associations representing private care centers operating across Turkey have also applied to the Ministry of Family and Social Services regarding the matter. It was reported that the association requested an urgent opinion from the Ministry, stating that the practice subject to the investigation was not unique to the institution in Elazığ, but rather a general practice carried out within the scope of legislation in private care centers across the country.
It is stated that despite the application, no statement has been made by the Ministry regarding the issue so far. Industry representatives argue that evaluating practices deemed appropriate during inspections as criminal evidence in an investigation file could create legal uncertainty.
Representatives also warn that if the practice in question is accepted as a criminal element, 343 private care centers affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services across Turkey could face similar investigations. It is stated that this possibility could lead to disruptions in the care services provided to individuals with severe disabilities.