16.02.2025 18:20
An explanation has come from AK Party Kırklareli Deputy Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam, who made scandalous remarks about healthcare workers. Sarıçam stated, "I apologize to all healthcare workers who have been hurt and have taken offense. The joke I made with a healthcare worker friend, with whom I am very close, has been taken out of context."
AK Party Kırklareli Member of Parliament Ahmet Gökhan Sarıçam made scandalous remarks towards healthcare workers at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kırklareli Pınarhisar 5 Physician Family Health Center 112 Emergency Health Services Station Building held on February 10.
"GO AND CLING TO THE THROAT OF HEALTH PERSONNEL"
Sarıçam stated in his speech, "Every year, for almost 2 years, we are doing whatever infrastructure is needed in Lüleburgaz, Babaeski, Kırklareli, Pınarhisar. This is all we can do. We are not doctors, we are not nurses. If there is dissatisfaction in the future, I can also incite the citizens by saying, 'Go and cling to the throat of health personnel. I have done my part as the state. They are the ones who do not provide the service.'" he said openly.
STATEMENT AFTER SCANDALOUS REMARKS
Following the controversial remarks, AK Party's Sarıçam made a statement. Sarıçam said: "Recently, a part of my speech has been cut and shared on social media and some press outlets, leading to a significant misunderstanding. My speech at the opening ceremony in Pınarhisar has been taken out of context, creating an impression as if I made a negative call against healthcare workers."
"ONLY CERTAIN PARTS OF THE SENTENCES WERE TAKEN TO GIVE A DIFFERENT MEANING"
First of all, I want to express this clearly: Our healthcare workers are our pride! It is absolutely impossible for me or anyone else to ignore their efforts while they work selflessly day and night. The words in question were part of a speech expressing that we have completed our health investments as a state and that the service should be carried out in the best possible way mutually. However, without looking at the entirety of the speech, only certain parts of the sentences have been taken to try to impose a different meaning.
"I APOLOGIZE TO HEALTH WORKERS"
Even though my speech video has been manipulated and distorted, I apologize to all the healthcare workers I have upset due to this misunderstanding. I hope they forgive me. As a member of parliament who has always stood by healthcare workers, it has been attempted by some journalists to turn a joke I made with many of my sincere healthcare worker friends present there into a provocation.
It is clear that there is a conscious distortion and a political maneuver at play here. I kindly ask the public to be cautious against such manipulations. I request that the entirety of my speech be taken into account to avoid misunderstandings, and I extend my love and respect to all healthcare workers."