Turkish Doctor Faces Trial In Baby Deaths Scandal

Activists chant slogans during a protest outside the courthouse where dozens of Turkish healthcare workers including doctors and nurses go on trial for fraud and causing the deaths of 10 infants, in I

An Istanbul court has commenced the trial of Dr. Firat Sari, a prominent figure in an alleged fraud scheme that resulted in the deaths of 10 babies. Sari, who operated neonatal intensive care units in several private hospitals in Istanbul, is among 47 individuals facing charges related to transferring newborns to these units for prolonged and unnecessary treatments to obtain social security payments.

According to reports, the defendants are accused of prioritizing financial gain over the well-being of the infants. The case has triggered public outrage and calls for increased oversight of the healthcare system. In response, authorities have revoked licenses and closed down 10 of the 19 implicated hospitals.

During the court proceedings, Sari claimed that patients were referred to him based on trust and denied any involvement in bribery. He expressed his love for his profession and emphasized his dedication to being a doctor.

The defendants are charged with negligent homicide in the deaths of 10 infants since January 2023, with reports suggesting that the number of affected babies could be in the hundreds over a longer period. Families of over 350 infants have sought investigations into the circumstances surrounding their children's deaths.

10 babies died due to unnecessary treatments for social security payments.

Dr. Firat Sari accused of prioritizing financial gain over infant well-being.

Authorities closed 10 hospitals and revoked licenses in response to the scandal.

Sari denies involvement in bribery, claims trust-based patient referrals.

Prosecutors allege that the defendants falsified reports to exaggerate the infants' conditions to secure more funds from the state and families. Sari faces multiple charges, including establishing a criminal organization, defrauding public institutions, forgery of official documents, and homicide by negligence.

The trial has attracted protests outside the courthouse, with demands for accountability and calls to shut down private hospitals involved in the scandal. The case has also led to political repercussions, with calls for the resignation of the Health Minister and nationalization of the implicated hospitals.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed severe punishment for those responsible for the deaths while cautioning against tarnishing the entire healthcare system due to the actions of a few individuals.