Social Security Minister Isikhan terminates hospital contracts post newborn gang scandal

Türkiye’s Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Isikhan announced that the contracts of the hospitals involved in the newborn gang scandal have been terminated and their payments have been suspended. Isikhan stated, “We have blocked past receivables and are collecting them along with accrued interest.”

In a recent program, Isikhan spoke about the newborn gang scandal.

Isikhan confirmed that efforts related to the newborn gang case are ongoing, reiterating the termination of contracts with the implicated hospitals and the suspension of their payments.

Key points from Isikhan’s statements

• Impact on families: “This issue has deeply affected our families. We all have families, and we are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.”
• Collaboration with prosecutors: “We started our work in response to requests from the Buyukcekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Since 2023, we have collaborated with the ministry on this matter and initiated our investigation. We conducted a thorough and confidential inquiry to ensure that those responsible face the harshest penalties. Our chief inspectors are continuing their examinations of the relevant hospitals.”
• Termination of contracts: “Contracts with Ozel Bagcilar Hospital and Ozel Safak Hospital have been terminated. Inspections of other hospitals are still ongoing. We have also terminated contracts with additional facilities and suspended their payments. We have blocked past receivables and are recovering these amounts with interest.”
• Handling reports: “We are evaluating all reports received through Alo 173 and CIMER (Public Administration Communication Center). I want to emphasize that we will actively follow up on this issue. I encourage citizens to share any information they may have. I concur with the Minister of Health’s recent statements regarding exposing corrupt elements within the system.”

Additionally, Minister Isikhan announced that the Social Security Institution will utilize artificial intelligence to review invoices and prescriptions from private hospitals.