Alcohol mixed into baby formula! 1 baby lost their life, 6 babies intubated... Investigation launched into the hospital!

In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Nicosia, the capital of the TRNC, pure alcohol was mistakenly added to the babies' formula instead of water. The TRNC Ministry of Health reported that 7 babies fell ill, and a 20-day-old baby, who was receiving treatment in an incubator due to premature birth, lost their life, while 6 babies were taken under treatment.

While an investigation has been launched into the incident, 4 healthcare workers were detained on charges of "causing death through negligence and carelessness." The family who lost their baby stated that their baby passed away last Friday, but they were notified late.

"WE WERE WARNED BY THE POLICE"

TRNC Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek stated in his announcement, "There are 7 babies affected and taken ill by this incident, one of whom lost their life." Addressing why the families were notified late about the incident, Dinçyürek said, "We were warned by the police."

Dinçyürek said, "I am also a father; I understand what kind of psychological state you are in. My condolences. We received information about the matter yesterday afternoon. We called all responsible physicians and all neonatal specialists on the island here and began investigations."

Stating that they reached the test results after midnight, Dinçyürek said, "Patient health is our priority. Since the incident has a judicial dimension, the investigation is ongoing. For this reason, we provided information to you and the press late. Our announcement was delayed because the police stated that they could not take precautions. The final interventions and evaluations made were noted. Shortly, the families will be taken back inside and the condition of the babies will be conveyed. We were warned by the police."

REACTION FROM FAMILIES TO MINISTER DİNÇYÜREK

Families reacted to Minister Dinçyürek by asking, "Are you making a statement only after the children have died?" Some families fainted following the minister's statement.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE HOSPITAL

The Ministry of Health of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) launched an investigation following the death of 1 baby and the intubation of 6 babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu Emergency Hospital, while the police detained 4 healthcare workers.

TRNC President Ersin Tatar, in a written statement regarding the matter, noted that he was deeply saddened by the incident and stated that he would follow up on the necessary investigation being conducted.

Emphasizing that the Ministry of Health and the police will carry out the necessary work regarding the process, Tatar expressed, "I wish God's mercy upon our baby we lost, condolences to their family, and I hope the other affected babies regain their health as soon as possible."

TRNC Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek also noted in his statement that the incident will be investigated in all its dimensions and that if there is any negligence, those responsible will be punished.

Dinçyürek said that the process has been referred to the judiciary and will be conducted transparently.

News Source: 12punto