30.01.2025 11:30
The Ministry of Health has filed a complaint against a family in Adana who did not have their newborn baby undergo heel prick testing or vaccinations. The court has decided to appoint a guardian for the 2.5-month-old baby. The father, reacting to the decision, said, "Is my child a municipality that a guardian is being appointed? We want this mistake to be corrected as soon as possible."
A rare situation occurred in Adana. Murat (40) and Seda (35) Çakmak couple's baby M.T. was born 2.5 months ago in a private hospital. The family stated that they did not want heel blood to be taken from their baby and for vaccinations to be done, and after signing the necessary documents, they were discharged and went home.
GUARDIAN APPOINTED FOR THE BABY
Since heel blood was not taken and vaccinations were not done, the private hospital reported the situation to the health center of the neighborhood where the couple resides, and they reported it to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health filed a complaint against the family who did not have heel blood taken, and a lawsuit was opened in the Adana 6th Civil Court. In the opened case, the court referred to the family's statement. It was decided to appoint a guardian for 2.5-month-old M.T. During the court process, the family informed the court that Murat Çakmak's brother F.Ç. would be the guardian of their child. The first hearing of the case is expected to be held in the coming days.
"THE TURKISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE CLOSED"
The father Murat Çakmak, who reacted to the decision, blamed the Turkish Medical Association, saying, "I have another child. When he was born 4 years ago, I also did not have heel blood taken, but I did not have any problems. I researched and found no logic in taking heel blood. A similar situation happened to a family in Kars, and the Turkish Medical Association caused a stir. They are trying to exert pressure on the courts and victimizing families like us. The Turkish Medical Association should be closed." he said.
"THEY TREAT ME LIKE A TERRORIST FOR NOT HAVING HEEL BLOOD TAKEN"
The father explained why he did not want heel blood taken from his baby, saying, "When you pierce the heel to take blood, it can get infected, and we are concerned about this. They can perform the same tests with saliva and urine; let them do it that way. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Turkish Medical Association seem to have started attacking people in agreement. They treat me like a terrorist for not having heel blood taken." he stated.
"IS MY CHILD A MUNICIPALITY?"
Father Çakmak said, "Is my child a municipality that a guardian is appointed? We know that guardians are appointed for municipalities. The rights of my child, whom I care for, take to the hospital, and look after, will be defended in court by his uncle. We want this mistake to be corrected as soon as possible. I am not against medicine at all. My 4-year-old daughter wants to be a doctor, and I support her." he expressed.
"MY CLIENT DOES NOT BELIEVE"
Bülent Şeker, the lawyer of the Çakmak family, stated, "The client did not have heel blood taken for the first child, and there were no problems. However, for the second child, our client submitted a petition for the refusal of heel blood and vaccinations. After that, the client's statement was taken, and a guardian was appointed. A precautionary decision will be made. Such a decision cannot be made regarding a healthy child. It is stated that the diseases detected in the heel blood test will be treated, but it only mentions stopping the progression of the diseases. Our client does not believe this and does not have heel blood taken." he said.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEEL BLOOD TEST
The heel blood test is a vital test that detects genetic and metabolic diseases that are more common in our country, where one in four marriages is between relatives, during the newborn period, allowing for early treatment and ensuring that the child leads a healthy life. With this heel blood test, which is mandatory by the Ministry of Health, it has reached 99% of newborns in our country, and over 5,000 babies can be detected each year before symptoms of diseases appear.