Khaberni - A significant scandal erupted at Akdeniz University in Turkey inside its affiliated university hospital, when investigations uncovered the presence of hidden cameras not part of the hospital's official security system, installed in front of the office of a medical faculty professor, covertly recording and listening to patients, researchers, and visitors in the medical corridor.
The scandal sparked a wide debate in Turkey about safety standards inside educational hospitals and the necessity of tighter surveillance on the use of cameras in academic and medical facilities, to protect the privacy of both patients and staff alike.
According to the Turkish site "haberler," the story began last March when Professor "M.T.," an ENT specialist, was temporarily suspended after a hidden camera not connected to the hospital's central monitoring system was found in front of his office.
It was later revealed that the camera was recording audio and video of the conversations of patients and students waiting in the corridor without their knowledge, which was considered a gross violation of their privacy.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the room adjacent to the professor's office, used by another university professor named "M.A.," contained devices linked to the primary camera without the hospital management's knowledge.
The investigation also included Professor "A.O.," who was present in an office close to the camera location, after suspicion arose that he was aware of the presence of the equipment or facilitated its use for his colleague.
In light of these findings, the university decided to suspend four employees, including Professor "M.T." and the other involved individuals from the same department, while Dr. "M.A." resigned last April, and Professor "A.O." was retired in July.
The investigation results clarified that the cameras were installed illegally, representing misuse of authority and a violation of the trust of patients and the academic institution, affirming that the incident is categorized under actions compromising academic honor and integrity.
