CHP’s Pala Presses Health Minister Over Alleged Reuse of Disposable Medical Supplies at Ereğli State Hospital

CHP MP Kayıhan Pala has accused Turkey’s Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu of failing to respond to parliamentary questions regarding claims of unsanitary medical practices at Konya Ereğli State Hospital, where single-use medical supplies were allegedly reused after primitive sterilization using formaldehyde—a chemical classified as Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Alarming Allegations of Health Risk and Negligence

In his parliamentary question submitted two months ago, CHP Bursa MP Kayıhan Pala cited complaints that disposable medical materials were reused after being placed in containers filled with formaldehyde-soaked cloths—a method lacking proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, or exposure measurement.

“Formaldehyde exposure invites cancer risks for both healthcare staff and patients,” warned Pala. “This cannot be dismissed as a local issue.”

The allegations suggest that hospital workers who raised concerns were allegedly pressured by doctors and administrators, and that although the Konya Provincial Health Directorate was aware, no effective inspections were conducted.

Key Questions Unanswered by the Health Ministry

Pala’s inquiry posed several pointed questions:

• Has the Health Ministry launched a formal investigation?

• Are there records of ventilation systems, PPE usage, and exposure tests?

• Have those responsible for reusing disposable equipment been disciplined?

• Why were warnings by the Infection Control Committee ignored?

• How thoroughly did Konya’s health officials investigate the matter?

• Were occupational disease screenings conducted on hospital staff?

• Are similar sterilization practices occurring in other hospitals?

• Will the Ministry issue a nationwide ban on such methods?

Health Workers at Risk, Minister Urged to Act

Pala criticized Minister Memişoğlu for failing to reply even after 60 days, stating that public health cannot be jeopardized for cost-cutting:

“If these allegations are true, the Ministry must act immediately to ban this method nationwide. The lives of our healthcare workers and patients are too valuable to sacrifice for low-cost shortcuts.”

Calling on the Health Ministry to investigate, Pala added:

“This isn’t just about Ereğli—it concerns healthcare workers and patients across Turkey. The Ministry must identify those responsible and publish the findings transparently. Any harm that arises from inaction will be on their shoulders.”