**Turkey’s Newborn Abuse Scandal: A Call for Justice**
A scandal is rocking the health sector in Turkey. Some 47 people are currently on trial for exposing newborns to inappropriate treatment in private hospitals in order to collect social security funds. Among the accused are doctors and nurses.
Anger is brewing in the streets, protests are multiplying, demanding justice and transparency. Among the protesters, Hacire Akinci, a grieving mother, expresses her pain. She testifies: “When we went to the hospital, we were told that the baby was in critical condition. It was a Tuesday. When we returned on Tuesday, we were told that the baby had died.”
The truth about her child’s death was only revealed to her very recently, after the scandal was revealed. Determined to get justice, she says: “My baby was born after 8 years of fertility treatments. I want to file a complaint. I want justice.”
At least 10 newborns have lost their lives in what is one of the biggest health scandals the country has seen in recent years. Cigdem Sari Nuray, another mother, whose son was placed in intensive care, expresses her need for justice. “We filed a petition (to ask for an investigation) and we came here to seek justice. I am here to demand justice, first and foremost for the babies who died, for those who are 80-90% disabled, and for those like my son.”
Nine private hospitals have been closed as part of the investigation into the incident, which involved 19 facilities. The quest for truth and accountability remains at the heart of the people’s demands.
In a country where health should be a priority, this scandal highlights unacceptable practices that have cost the lives of innocent babies. The call for justice is echoing through the streets, with a firm determination to shed light on these reprehensible acts and ensure that such actions never happen again.