Healthcare Services and Human Rights Violations in Istanbul
Istanbul has been on the agenda not only for its historical and cultural richness but also for the discussions on health services and human rights. Recently, the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Ekrem İmamoğluWith the arrest of , violations and unlawfulness in the field of health have attracted attention. In this context, the statements made by the Turkish Medical Association reveal how health services are shaped and the problems experienced in this process.
Unlawfulness and Health Practices
The Turkish Medical Association has clearly stated that conducting medical examinations in custody is a crime. This situation reveals how important independence and ethical rules are in the provision of health services. It underlines that conducting medical examinations of individuals in custody under pressure from official authorities such as provincial police departments is not only against the law, but also poses a serious threat to human rights.
Targeting Democratic Protests
The ongoing democratic protests across the country are being met with disproportionate use of force and tear gas in many provinces. Such practices threaten the freedom of individuals to exercise their constitutional rights and cause serious problems in the health sector. The Turkish Medical Association condemns this situation and emphasizes that the public should protect their rights and that democratic protests should not be prevented.
Roles and Responsibilities of Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals are faced with situations where they are forced to perform medical examinations on individuals in custody. At this point, it is extremely important for our colleagues to act in a way that ensures that judicial processes are carried out in accordance with the law. The Turkish Medical Association states that healthcare professionals must maintain their professional independence and should not be forced into any unlawful behavior.
Custody Examinations and Ethical Principles
Detention entry and exit examinations cannot be conducted in places where individuals are detained. Health services must be provided in a free environment, in accordance with the ethical principles and scientific standards of the medical profession. Therefore, it is of great importance for health workers to report any negative situations they may encounter during examinations.
Human Rights Violations and Physician Attitude Document
Prepared by the Turkish Medical Association, the Association of Forensic Medicine Specialists and the Turkish Human Rights Foundation Physician Attitude Document in Human Rights Violations Processes, sets out how healthcare professionals should act in the face of human rights violations. This document encourages the adoption of an ethical and fair approach in the provision of healthcare services.
Official Letters and Calls
The Turkish Medical Association renews its calls to the Ministries of Health, Interior and Justice with official letters, emphasizing that steps must be taken to protect the rights of healthcare professionals. These calls are of critical importance in terms of ending the injustices in the healthcare sector and securing the rights of individuals.
As a result
The health services and human rights violations experienced in Istanbul affect every segment of society. In this context, defending the rights of individuals, supporting democratic protests and protecting the independence of health workers have become much more important today. The calls and documents of the Turkish Medical Association are an important guide in this process. Adopting an ethical and legal approach in the provision of health services is essential for the health of society.
