Title: Minister’s False Statements Exposed by Deniz Zeyrek: Uncovering Historical Contradictions
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu recently made a statement regarding the newborn gang scandal that has shaken Turkey. Minister Memişoğlu shared the 18-month chronology of the gang operation. However, SÖZCÜ columnist Deniz Zeyrek pointed out discrepancies in the indictment regarding the person responsible for inspections in January. Zeyrek highlighted that the inspections conducted in January revealed certain discrepancies, which contradicted the Minister’s chronology presented with a graphic on AA on March 27, 2023. He stated, “The Minister skips over the part before March 27. There is no information about what they did for three months.”
Zeyrek pointed out the contradiction, questioning the Minister’s actions despite naming specific doctors involved. He asked, “What did you do even though you named the doctors?”
Minister’s Shared Chronology:
Here are some headlines from Minister Memişoğlu’s statement:
– A formal request for assistance was sent to the Police Department on May 5, 2023, to obtain concrete evidence. An extraordinary inspection was carried out on September 25. Collaboration with the police was maintained.
– A commission was established to examine the evidence. On September 4, 2023, 300 individuals were placed under police surveillance.
– Raids were conducted on these hospitals on April 26.
– Information about the hospitals was provided to inspection teams in sealed envelopes. No one knew which hospital they would visit until that moment.
False Claims of Continuing Deaths During Inspections:
The Minister also addressed the accusations of continuing deaths during inspections. He mentioned that the case file contained confidential information and that they were not informed about the baby deaths. It was only on November 24, 2023, that the Prosecutor requested an inspection from the Ministry. The inspectors worked in coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office.
In response to criticisms, the Minister emphasized that a major gang operation had been successfully carried out, despite claims that they were neglecting the situation of child deaths. He explained that after collecting all the evidence and making arrests, the Prosecutor inquired about the causation between the suspects’ actions and the baby deaths.
Establishment of a Scientific Committee to Determine Causation:
To ascertain the causation, a scientific committee was formed. The Minister highlighted that the investigation could only establish the causation in September. This delay was due to the confidential nature of the case.
Closure of Hospitals After the Indictment:
On October 16, 2024, the Prosecutor completed the indictment. Just two days later, on October 18, the hospital licenses were revoked. The Minister stressed the importance of eliminating corrupt practices within the healthcare system.
Improvement of Inspections and Discipline in Private Hospitals:
The Minister acknowledged structural issues in private hospitals and emphasized the need to enforce discipline within these institutions. He expressed determination in identifying and addressing any lapses in the system.
Enhancing Oversight and Addressing Structural Issues:
In conclusion, the Minister highlighted the need to revamp inspection processes and address systemic flaws within the healthcare system. He emphasized the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring the highest standards of care in all healthcare facilities.
Through the efforts of investigative journalists like Deniz Zeyrek and the accountability measures undertaken by the Ministry, steps are being taken to address historical contradictions and ensure transparency in the healthcare sector. It is essential to continue monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures to prevent similar scandals in the future.
