Death of Dozens of Infants at the Hands of a Gang of Doctors: A Major Scandal Erupted in Turkey.

In Istanbul, a major clash erupted due to the actions of a criminal group of doctors. According to Hürriyet newspaper, the criminal group redirected newborns to private clinics instead of state hospitals for illegal enrichment.

Preliminary data indicates that negligence by doctors resulted in the death of at least 21 children. The prosecution demands sentences ranging from 10 to 589 years for the accused.

Research shows that the group was led by pediatrician Firat Sari, who worked at Esenyurt Hospital. The indictment noted that the suspects transferred children to private centers with which they had prior agreements. These centers kept newborns much longer, making the treatment three to four times more expensive. Parents received no medical assistance for their children until they agreed to pay. Furthermore, children were not allowed to be transferred to other hospitals, practically being held hostage.

Media published a list of 19 private clinics involved in the crime. Dozens of suspects are involved in the case.

The deaths of the children are linked to the spread of infections in neonatal wards where there were no required specialists. In some cases, nannies posed as doctors. Among other accusations are the sale of medicines intended for hospitals.

The leader of the group faces up to 589 years in prison on charges of involuntary manslaughter, document forgery, fraud, and organizing a criminal group. Other participants may receive from 10 to 437 years imprisonment.

Several dozens of medical professionals are suspects in the case, and hundreds of people will be inspected. Group members are accused under several Criminal Code articles: intentional murder, fraud, creating a criminal organization, and document forgery.

According to Turkish media, Turkey's Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced the closure of 10 private clinics in connection with the prosecutor's investigation of the "doctors' case". 22 of the 41 defendants have been detained, and the closed clinics have lost their licenses. The Health Minister announced plans to reform private medical institutions in the country.

"There are plans to review the control system and create commissions involving specialists. Private clinics will be periodically inspected, and structural reforms in the private medical institution system are planned," the minister stated.

Recall that from October 20 to 22, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is visiting Turkey to hold talks on Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation.