A shocking scandal in Turkey’s healthcare system has left families devastated and sparked widespread protests following the tragic deaths of 10 newborns. The heart-wrenching stories of parents, including Burcu Gokdeniz and Ozan Eskici, have emerged, revealing their harrowing experiences in the neonatal intensive care units of private hospitals.

In the wake of these tragedies, Turkish prosecutors have accused 47 medical professionals, including Dr. Firat Sari, the head of several neonatal units, of negligence, malpractice, and medical fraud. An indictment released this month alleges that medical staff falsified records and subjected newborns to unnecessary treatments in facilities ill-equipped for their care. The prosecution is seeking up to 583 years in prison for Sari, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against him and his colleagues.

As outrage has mounted, families have come forward in droves, with at least 350 seeking investigations into the deaths of their loved ones. Public protests erupted outside the implicated hospitals, where demonstrators expressed their anger and frustration, demanding accountability and systemic change.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed to punish those responsible, stating, “Those who commit such barbarism will be held accountable before the law in the most severe way for their crimes.” He urged the public not to judge the entire healthcare system based on the actions of a few individuals.

However, for parents like Sibel Kosal, who lost her daughter Zeynep in 2017, the damage has already been done. “They have ruined a dad and a mom,” she lamented, echoing the fears of many who now question the safety of their children within the healthcare system.

As the trial is scheduled to begin on November 18, the emotional toll on affected families and the lingering doubts about the reliability of Turkey’s healthcare system continue to grow. The call for reform and greater oversight has never been more urgent, as families demand a safe environment for their children in medical care.