30 Newborn Gang Reports: 197 Crimes that Shocked Turkey
Investigation into Newborn Gang Scandal Reveals Shocking Details
The investigation into the criminal organization involved in transferring baby emergency patients to neonatal units of private hospitals, resulting in deaths and unfair profits, has uncovered shocking details. It all started with a notification received by CİMER in May 2023, which was then escalated to the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate.
Minister of Health at the time, Kemal Memişoğlu, who was also the Istanbul Provincial Health Director, took swift action by informing the police authorities and setting up a commission to inspect neonatal intensive care units in all hospitals in the province. Months of technical follow-up work by the police and cross-inspections at private hospitals in Istanbul revealed a multi-faceted report consisting of 30 folders and 2 boxes.
The report highlighted the activities of the gang in private hospitals, exposing irregularities aimed at damaging the state. This report played a crucial role in the investigation coordinated by the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
During the inspections, it was discovered that 197 criminal acts had taken place. Evidence such as audits, bank account movements, HTS examinations, and physical surveillance reports supported the findings.
Further investigation revealed discrepancies in the health conditions of babies documented in some private hospital records. As a result, referrals of newborns to suspicious private hospitals were immediately halted via 112 Emergency.
The trial process against 47 suspects, including 22 who were detained, continues, with penal sanctions imposed by the ministry against relevant hospital units. Efforts are ongoing to inspect hospitals and progress towards potentially revoking their licenses in accordance with existing legislation.
The Ministry of Health Inspection Board is expected to make a decision on this matter soon, in coordination with the ongoing judicial processes. The investigation into the Newborn Gang scandal has shed light on the dark operations of criminal organizations within the healthcare system, prompting swift action and measures to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns in the future.
