Dr. Özant expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the investigation, noting that, despite the serious allegations and public shaming of doctors and pharmacists, no legal actions have been taken against anyone involved. The investigation has been transferred to the police, but no significant developments have occurred. Additionally, key measures such as e-prescriptions and drug tracking systems, which are crucial for preventing future issues, have yet to be implemented.
He highlighted that the actions of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, including the arrest of two directors and the resignation of the Undersecretary, have severely undermined trust in the institution. The previous Minister and Director frequently made statements to the media that disparaged doctors and pharmacists, further damaging their reputations. The media’s publication of photos of the arrested individuals violated their presumption of innocence and human rights.
Özant stressed the urgent need to finalise the investigation, deliver justice promptly, and address the grievances of those affected. He emphasised that the continued blocking of accounts, travel bans, and reputational damage to professionals remain unresolved, and no steps have been taken to rectify these issues. He called for the Ministry to expedite the review of the investigation files based on the complaints made in November 2023 and to forward them to the public prosecutor. He concluded by reaffirming the KTTB’s commitment to supporting its members and holding accountable those responsible for the situation.
