A physician in Turkey has been dismissed from public service for a second time despite a prior court ruling that ordered her reinstatement, according to multiple media reports. The case highlights tensions between judicial rulings, administrative authority, and professional standards in healthcare systems.
Dr. Larin Kayataş, reported to be one of the first openly transgender women doctors in Turkey’s public healthcare system, was dismissed again by the country’s Ministry of Health following a renewed administrative process.
Reports indicate that the dismissal followed allegations related to “general morality” and conduct outside clinical practice. Authorities described her actions as incompatible with the status of a public official. Authorities did not report any findings of medical negligence or malpractice.
Media reports note that she was working at Taksim Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul prior to her dismissal.
This marks the second removal of Dr. Kayataş from her position.
Dr. Kayataş was initially dismissed in 2021 under similar grounds. The dismissal cited her social media activity as being inconsistent with public morality standards. She challenged the decision in court.
A Turkish administrative court later ruled that the dismissal was not justified in relation to her professional duties as a physician. The court ordered her reinstatement and compensation, including approximately 20 months of back pay with interest.
Following this ruling, she returned to her position in the public healthcare system.
Recent reports from Bianet and T24 state that the Ministry of Health initiated a new investigation after her reinstatement.
Authorities again cited concerns related to “public morality” with the decision based on administrative and disciplinary evaluations rather than clinical performance.
Sources state that a ministry-appointed inspector conducted an investigation over several months and prepared an extensive report that included examination of her personal life and workplace interactions.
Reports also state that a criminal complaint was filed against Dr. Kayataş, and that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated legal proceedings seeking a prison sentence. The charges reportedly include allegations related to obscenity and public incitement, according to media reports.
Dr. Kayataş has stated publicly that the actions taken against her are not related to her medical competence. She also shared documents regarding the proceedings, according to Bianet.
In Turkey, public sector physicians are subject to administrative and disciplinary regulations that govern conduct both within and outside the workplace. These regulations allow authorities to take action if conduct is considered incompatible with public service standards.
At the same time, administrative court rulings are legally binding and are expected to be implemented by public institutions.
The current case reflects a situation where a prior judicial decision and a subsequent administrative action have reached different outcomes.
Across all reports, there is no indication that Dr. Kayataş faced disciplinary action related to patient care, clinical errors, or violations of medical guidelines.
The case has therefore focused on non-clinical factors rather than medical practice.
(Rh/MSM)
