CHP files criminal complaint against former Health Ministers

The CHP has announced that it has filed a criminal complaint against 4 individuals regarding the deaths of infants receiving treatment in neonatal intensive care units in Istanbul. 

CHP Deputy Chairpersons Gamze Taşcıer and Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz, along with several lawmakers and party members, held a press conference in front of the Ankara Courthouse.

Speaking at the press conference, Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz stated that 10 infants treated at 19 private hospitals in Istanbul lost their lives due to individuals who formed a gang to defraud the Social Security Institution (SGK) and public resources. 

Expressing that the incident is deeply distressing, Şahbaz said, "Officials responsible for inspecting private hospitals stated that they identified irregularities during inspections at the beginning of 2023 but did not take action until a CİMER report was received."

CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST OFFICIALS

Şahbaz stated that they have filed a criminal complaint against former Health Ministers Recep Akdağ, Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, and Fahrettin Koca, as well as the then-Istanbul Provincial Health Director Kemal Memişoğlu, adding, "These names bear responsibility for the negligence that led to the loss of infants' lives."

'AKP IS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBLE PARTY FOR THIS'

Continuing her statement, Şahbaz criticized the Health Transformation Program, stating, "The AKP, which turned healthcare into a commercial commodity and turned a blind eye to this system, is the primary responsible party for this. This gang, which caused the deaths of innocent infants by defrauding the SGK, must be punished."

CHP Deputy Chairperson Gamze Taşcıer also stated that individuals serving in administrative positions must be held accountable. Taşcıer said, "We will not allow those who abuse their duties to go unpunished."

'THIS IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG'

CHP Samsun MP Murat Çam stated that the incident is a long-standing problem, saying, "This incident began in 2002 and grew due to the negligence of the Ministry of Health. We are heading toward a process where healthcare labor is being commodified."

CHP Uşak MP Ali Karaoba said, "I have been an obstetrician for 25 years and I am one of those who best understands the pain of losing an infant. This system views the patient as a customer. This is the tip of the iceberg, and we will follow this case closely."