Story By Marija Stojkoska
News Editor Ajda Ender
A private medical clinic in Istanbul has been shut down after a 19-day protest outside by the family of a 28-year-old woman who died when she was given penicillin she had warned she was allergic to.
Gamze Yildiz, 28, poses in undated photo. She died after receiving an IV at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Note: Private photo (Newsflash/NX)
The closure took place in Umraniye, a district on the Asian side of Istanbul in north-western Turkey, on 3rd June.
Gamze Yildiz had attended the private Tepe Medical Centre on 29th March after reporting weakness and flu-like symptoms.
During admission, she told staff she was allergic to penicillin.
Gamze Yildiz, 28, poses in undated photo. She died after receiving an IV at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Note: Private photo (Newsflash/NX)
But despite the warnings, relatives allege she was given an IV serum prepared by a laboratory technician instead of a doctor.
The family claim the mixture contained six separate drugs which Gamze’s body could not tolerate.
She became severely unwell within seconds of the drip being administered and lost consciousness.
She was then taken by ambulance to hospital for emergency treatment.
Gamze remained in intensive care for around one month before dying on 29th April.
Gamze Yildiz, 28, poses in undated photo. She died after receiving an IV at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Note: Private photo (Newsflash/NX)
The case triggered an investigation by the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and Turkey’s
Health Ministry.
While inquiries were ongoing, Gamze’s mother Suna Dogantekin and aunt Burcu Dogantekin staged a protest outside the clinic.
Picture shows the victims mother Suna Dogantekin, undated. Gamze Yildiz, 28, died after receiving an IV at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Note: Photo is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
The protest continued for 19 days before officials moved in to shut the facility down.
Health Ministry inspectors later ordered the clinic’s closure and the entrance was covered with black sheeting.
Gamze’s mother said the decision brought partial relief despite ongoing grief.
 Gamze Yildiz, 28, poses in undated photo. She died after receiving an IV at a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Note: Private photo (Newsflash/NX)
“We had been protesting for 19 days,” Suna Dogantekin said.
“Inspectors came yesterday and today the closure decision was made. It was closed around 18.00. We feel a bittersweet relief. It has eased our pain a little, but the legal process continues and we will keep fighting for the heaviest punishment.”
She added that other complaints had also emerged about the clinic.
“Many people have written complaints. Another woman came forward saying her daughter had a similar experience. There are many others speaking out.”
Her aunt Burcu Dogantekin said the family would continue their legal fight.
“We will do everything we can so they receive the harshest punishment. The closure was only the first step. We thank everyone who supported us,” she said.
She also referred to alleged threats made during earlier visits to the clinic, claiming armed intimidation had taken place during their attempts to seek answers.
Previously, Gamze’s father Neytullah Yildiz said when the family went back to the clinic after the incident to demand answers, they were threatened by armed men who warned them: “We will shoot you.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review medical records and staff statements.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
