For the past week, Türkiye has been gripped by revelations of one of the largest health care scandals in its history, in which a criminal syndicate colluded with private hospitals to fraudulently admit newborns into intensive care units under false pretenses to exploit the social security system.

These infection-prone units, rife with illicit practices, are reportedly responsible for the deaths of at least 12 infants, while others have suffered lasting disabilities.

In a statement on the evening of Oct. 20, the health minister emphasized that inspections of private hospitals would now occur «more frequently than ever before.»

The existing audit mechanisms will be revamped, with the creation of expert commissions comprising specialized physicians and academics across various medical fields, Memişoğlu noted.

The ministry’s inspection teams will be deployed at full capacity, not just for neonatal care but across all hospital departments to ensure comprehensive oversight.