Turkish Medical Association (TTB) reacted against the investigations opened against their Central Council members due to a press statement. The association pointed out that the attitude of the Ministry of Health is an intervention and a threat against the independence, organization and activities of professional organizations.
TTB was targeted in January 2018 following a press statement, saying, “War is a public health issue.” 11 medical doctors were taken into custody during the period. As the ones in custody were later released with judicial measures, the Ministry of Health had filed a lawsuit against the doctors, claiming for their central council memberships to be revoked. The lawsuit was denied on 29 June 2018, while administrative investigations against TTB Central Council members continue.
TTB Secretary General Dr. Bülent Nazım Yılmaz was transferred to the Ministry of Health’s High Disciplinary Council with the claim to dismiss him from public service. TTB Central Council member Dr. Selma Güngör’s family practice contract was annulled; a similar investigation is being conducted against TTB Central Council member Dr. Yaşar Ulutaş.
Demanding the investigations to end, TTB stated, “The Ministry of Health is attempting to intervene in TTB’s activities, to neutralize TTB and to try to put us under pressure by penalizing three practitioners working within its body. The Ministry’s investigation against TTB executives, who work in public institutions, due to reasons unrelated to their work is an indication that the Ministry is misusing its duty and ignoring Constitutional provisions on professional organizations.”
10.08.2018
bianet.org