Turkish Doctors Suspended Over Allegations of Patient Bribery

Turkish authorities have suspended two doctors employed at a government hospital in Istanbul amid allegations of accepting monetary bribes from patients for surgical operations. This action follows the release of videos, reportedly recorded with hidden cameras, depicting several patients handing over cash to the doctors in their offices.

Details of the Incident

One of the videos shows a woman counting a large sum of money before giving it to the doctor, who promptly placed it in a desk drawer or his pocket without hesitation. The doctors are affiliated with the "Üsküdar" hospital located on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Ongoing Legal Investigations

The Turkish prosecutor's office is investigating the doctors for allegedly extorting patients who sought pre-operative examinations. This case arises despite the fact that salaries for doctors in government hospitals are considered among the highest in the public sector, which offers free treatment to patients in exchange for a monthly health insurance fee.

Previous Incidents of Medical Bribery

This is not the first incident of this nature in Turkey, as similar cases have been reported where some doctors exploited patients' urgency for timely surgeries instead of enduring long waiting periods. This highlights the pressing need for enhanced internal oversight and measures to combat medical corruption within the Turkish healthcare system.