Turkish Health Minister Memisoglu announces takedown of newborn gang

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu announced that a major operation on April 26, 2024, successfully dismantled the so-called “Newborn Gang,” which had been involved in infant deaths.

The operation followed months of investigation and evidence gathering, leading to the closure of several health care facilities linked to the criminal group.

Investigation and operation timeline

Health Minister Memisoglu revealed that the investigation began on May 5, 2023, when the ministry involved law enforcement. “We activated law enforcement on May 5, 2023, and I instructed my deputies to provide 24/7 support to whatever the police and prosecutors required,” Memisoglu said.

A major audit was conducted on Sept. 25, 2023, uncovering significant evidence that led to the gang’s collapse.

Medical evidence and prosecution

On Sept. 16, 2024, the medical report linking suspects to the infant deaths was submitted to the public prosecutor’s office. By Oct. 16, 2024, the prosecution completed its indictment.

Shortly after, on Oct. 18, 2024, hospital licenses were revoked, and the facilities involved were permanently closed.

Commitment to accountability

Minister Memisoglu emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption in health care.

“We are determined to remove the bad apples in health care, and we will not tolerate anyone involved in such crimes, no matter who they are,” he stated, adding that the ministry had already closed hospitals belonging to individuals closely connected to officials.

Revisions to private health care oversight

In response to the case, Memisoglu also announced that the ministry would revise its oversight of private healthcare facilities. “We are restructuring how we supervise private health care institutions to ensure higher standards of care and accountability,” he explained.

The minister also noted that new regulations for family physicians had been finalized and were awaiting approval.