Scandal erupts in Turkey: university professors accused of delaying treatment and insurance fraud

A major scandal has erupted at the Medical Center of Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey. The former vice-rector of the university and three professors are accused of violations related to delaying patient treatments, abusing their official positions, and committing financial fraud in dealings with the state insurance system SGK.

According to the university’s internal investigation, professors M.T., A.B.T., U.O., and lecturer M.A. deliberately postponed surgeries for cancer patients, citing formal reasons such as “lack of ICU beds” or “staff being busy.” Meanwhile, patients connected to the clinic staff reportedly received treatment out of turn.

The investigation also uncovered cases of manipulation of medical records. Some surgeries and procedures were documented as completed although they were not performed, and in certain cases, the same procedures were recorded twice, allowing illegal additional payments from SGK funds.

In addition to financial violations, the professors are accused of psychological pressure on junior staff and graduate students. Commission reports indicate that young professionals were threatened, denied access to research work, and forced to perform tasks unrelated to their official duties. Several victims reported systematic mobbing and were compelled to leave the university.

The university’s disciplinary committee recommended the dismissal of all four employees and submitted the case materials to the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) for a final decision.

The incident has sparked widespread public reaction. Turkish human rights activists and student organizations have called for an independent investigation, emphasizing that such cases undermine trust in state medical and educational institutions.