Health and Justice Ministers Open Medicine and Law Symposium in Istanbul

The Medicine and Law Symposium opened in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district, organized jointly by the Health and Justice ministries. The two-day event brought together health and justice representatives, including senior court presidents.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek opened his speech by offering condolences for citizens who died in recent floods in Istanbul and Sakarya and wishing recovery to those affected.

“Violence against health workers is our red line.”

Gürlek stated that violence against health workers is a red line and will not be tolerated, emphasizing that such violence harms the entire health system, not only individuals.

He noted that a 2020 legal amendment increased penalties for intentional injury, threat, insult, and resistance against health workers by half, and that a special regulation prevents postponement of prison sentences for these crimes.

Gürlek also said that a 2022 regulation introduced important guarantees, including a permission procedure through the Professional Responsibility Board for criminal investigations arising from medical procedures.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu described health and justice cooperation as invaluable and said patient rights and health workers’ professional security are complementary elements.

The symposium will continue for two days.