Unions Observe Moment of Silence in Honor of Deceased Infant Outside Parliament Building

Unions in the TRNC held a protest outside the parliament building, where participants observed a moment of silence to honor an infant who recently passed away in a hospital. They also called for the resignation of the Minister of Health.

Several major unions from Northern Cyprus took part in the protest. Initially, the demonstration was organized to address the results of the Republic Assembly’s Speaker election. However, participants also commemorated the recent tragedy in which seven infants were hospitalized in critical condition after ethanol was mistakenly added to their infant formula, leading to the death of one baby.

The head of the Cyprus Turkish Civil Servants Union (KTAMS) called for the Minister of Health’s resignation in his public statement.

The incident took place last weekend in the neonatal intensive care unit at Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital in Nicosia, where seven newborns suddenly fell critically ill. Despite efforts, one infant could not be saved.

An investigation into the infant’s death has been initiated, and the on-duty medical staff were immediately suspended. As part of the ongoing investigation, five healthcare workers were arrested for their alleged roles in the incident. They are now facing charges for "Failure to Observe Safety Precautions" and "Negligence." Police confirmed that ethanol was found in the infants’ feeding solution.

The court ordered the suspects to remain in custody for three days while the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, an autopsy has already been conducted on the deceased infant. Blood and tissue samples have been taken to determine the precise cause of death, with results expected after further examination.