The internal diseases service of one of Istanbul's largest public hospitals has been closed due to a mange epidemic, most likely caused by a subcontractor worker Hurriyet Daily News reported
Göztepe Training and Research Hospital's internal diseases department has been placed under quarantine and all patients have been transferred to other sections of the hospital after mange was detected in the service.
Istanbul Medical Chamber General Secretary Doctor Samet Menguc found the incident "meaningful," saying the epidemic's unfortunate eruption in one of Istanbul's central hospitals was a result of deficient health policies.
Mange is usually found in unhealthy conditions, where proper hygiene conditions cannot be provided in underdeveloped societies, during wars or famine conditions, Menguc said.
"According to the information we have gathered so far, the source of the disease is the subcontractor workers serving at the hospital. It is not hard to guess the results with these health policies when we consider the workers' living and working conditions," he told reporters on Sept. 9.
Work is continuing to clear the disease from the service, he added.
The Istanbul Medical Chamber and Health Laborers' Union is expected to deliver a press statement in front of the hospital on Sept. 10.