C-Section Penalties Halted Following Ministry of Health and TJOD Meeting
During the summit between the Ministry of Health and TJOD, C-section penalties were halted, and a consensus was reached on malpractice lawsuits and private practice regulations.
Officials from the Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (TJOD) and the Ministry of Health held a critical summit to discuss the issues facing obstetricians and gynecologists. Following the meeting, it was reported that C-section penalties were suspended and legal changes regarding malpractice lawsuits would be made.
Critical Summit Between the Ministry of Health and TJOD
A high-level meeting took place between the Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Ministry of Health. During the meeting, the demands of obstetricians and gynecologists and the industry's issues awaiting resolution were discussed in detail.
TJOD President Prof. Dr. İsmail Mete İtil shared the details of this important meeting, held on August 24, with the public. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted with the participation of five general directorates within the ministry.
New Cooperation Model for C-Section Penalties
One of the most important agenda items of the meeting was the punitive sanctions regarding non-indicated C-section practices in first pregnancies. A new cooperation model focused on educating pregnant women instead of punishment was adopted.
In line with TJOD's proposal, it was decided to strengthen pregnancy schools and transition to a one-on-one midwife companion system during births. Within this scope, current C-section punishment procedures were completely suspended.
Malpractice Lawsuits and Expectation of Legal Regulation
The meeting addressed malpractice lawsuits closely concerning physicians working in the private sector. A consensus was reached on not having compensations recourse-claimed from physicians and making legal amendments in partnership with the Ministry of Justice.
With this legal regulation, it is aimed to remedy the grievances faced by physicians and bring the processes to a fairer structure.
Private Practices and Device Calibrations
It was stated at the meeting that calibration applications for devices such as ultrasounds in private practices and mandatory drug lists will be updated. It was confirmed that no new restrictive regulations regarding private practices will be introduced in the upcoming period.
Prof. Dr. İtil noted that direct communication and cooperation with the Ministry of Health will be maintained with determination in the future process.