Allegations of Misconduct in Neonatal Care Lead to Hospital Shutdowns as Authorities Investigate Infant Deaths
In a major development in the ongoing “Newborn Gang” investigation, the licenses of nine private hospitals in Istanbul have been revoked. The investigation revolves around accusations that emergency newborn patients were deliberately referred to specific private hospitals’ neonatal units, leading to their deaths. It is alleged that staff at 112 Emergency Call Centers collaborated with these hospitals to generate illicit profits through these referrals.
The hospitals facing license revocation include notable names such as **Özel Avcılar Hospital**, **Özel TRG Hospitalist**, **Özel Birinci Hospital**, **Özel Güney Hospital**, **Özel Bağcılar Medilife Hospital**, **Özel Beylikdüzü Medilife Hospital**, **Özel Reyap Istanbul Hospital**, **Özel Şafak Hospital Bağcılar**, and **Özel Silivri Kolan Hospital**.
**Health Ministry Initiates Action**
The Ministry of Health issued a directive to the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate following an inspection report dated September 28, 2024, conducted by the Inspection Board. Based on findings from the investigation, approval was granted by the ministry to revoke the hospitals’ licenses.
The official document cited Article 65/A of the **Private Hospitals Regulation**, which outlines the procedures to be followed in case of a suspension or revocation of hospital operations. The directive emphasized that ongoing patient care must be prioritized, with seriously ill or neonatal patients being transferred to public hospitals before ceasing the hospitals’ operations.
**Enforcement of the Decision**
Following the issuance of the decision, officials from the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate, accompanied by police, arrived at the affected hospitals to enforce the license revocation. Hospital administrators were officially notified, and in some cases, hospital signs were removed as the facilities prepared to halt operations.
At **Özel Güney Hospital**, a notice was placed on the doors stating, “Medical and patient care services have been suspended at our hospital.” Several staff members were seen bidding farewell to their colleagues as they left the building.
Meanwhile, employees of **Özel Beylikdüzü Medilife Hospital** protested the decision by applauding outside the facility, with some visibly emotional over the closure. At **Özel TRG Hospitalist**, members of a local group, **Bağcılar Ülkü Ocakları**, staged a protest, chanting slogans against the hospital’s management.
**Patient Transfers Underway**
As the revocations were enforced, efforts began to transfer patients from the affected hospitals to public facilities. Neonatal patients and those in critical condition were prioritized, with ambulances being deployed to transport them. Some families chose to take their less critical loved ones home themselves.
In one case, **Ercan Gökdoğan**, whose newborn baby was under treatment at **Özel Avcılar Hospital**, expressed relief after seeing that his child was in stable condition. He prepared for the transfer of his baby to another hospital, stating, “I am not worried, as I have just seen my baby, and he is fine.”
**Families Seek Justice**
Amid the chaos, families of previous patients gathered at the now-closed hospitals, seeking answers and justice for their loved ones. One woman, whose grandchild had been treated at **Özel Avcılar Hospital**, accused the facility of negligence. She claimed that her grandchild’s condition worsened in the hospital but improved once taken home.
At **Özel Güney Hospital**, **Nazlı Ahi**, who lost her baby in 2023 after a brief stay at the hospital, tearfully recounted her experience. She shared, “My baby was born healthy, but after three days, they said he had respiratory issues. He was transferred to **Medilife Hospital**, and after six days, we received the news of his death. I want justice. They should have told me if they needed money—I would have given anything to save my baby.”
**Ongoing Investigation**
As the investigation continues, the Turkish Health Ministry has promised to fully cooperate with law enforcement to uncover the extent of the alleged misconduct. Families affected by the alleged malpractices are seeking accountability and transparency as they await further developments in this high-profile case.
This case has sent shockwaves through the Turkish healthcare system, raising concerns about the regulation of private hospitals and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. Public attention is now focused on how these allegations will be addressed and whether further regulatory actions will be taken.
