Health Scandal at Harran University Hospital: Worms Found in Staff Meals

In recent days, the release of shocking images regarding the sanitary conditions of meals served at Harran University (Harran Üniversitesi) Faculty of Medicine Hospital in the city of Urfa has turned into a serious crisis. Published reports indicate that hospital staff encountered worms, insects, mold, and even pieces of thread and string in their meals [1][4]. This incident, which has received extensive coverage in Turkish media, has once again brought the issue of privatizing public services and the lack of oversight on contractors to the forefront of the news.

Details of the Health Scandal in Urfa According to images and videos released by hospital employees on June 25 and 26, 2026, worms were observed in cooked meats, and distributed bread contained industrial threads [2]. It was also reported that moldy ayran (yogurt drink) was delivered to staff alongside their meals. This situation occurs while healthcare workers are providing services to patients under difficult and exhausting conditions, and healthy nutrition is considered their minimum legal right [3].

Sharp Reaction from the SES Union The Urfa branch of the Health and Social Service Workers Union (SES) issued a strongly worded statement, describing the situation as "obvious irresponsibility and a lack of oversight." The statement read: "It is unacceptable that the community's health heroes, who strive for the recovery of patients, are forced to eat in such unhygienic and threatening conditions" [1]. The union demanded the immediate initiation of legal proceedings against hospital officials and the contracting company, emphasizing that the health of medical staff should not be sacrificed for the profit-seeking of private companies [2].

Ambiguities in the 292 Million Lira Tender A thought-provoking point in this case is the details of the hospital's food service tender. According to reports, in March 2026, a 24-month food preparation tender for the hospital was awarded to the company "Mervan Dora" for an amount exceeding 291,973,000 Lira [4]. Interestingly, at the time of the tender, 39 different companies had objected to the process and conditions of the award, but the university management left many of these complaints unanswered [3]. Now, only two months after this new contractor began work, such a health disaster has occurred.

Demands and Next Steps The SES Union and labor rights activists in Turkey are demanding full transparency regarding how hospital kitchens are monitored. They question how, despite large budgets, the most basic hygiene standards are not being met [1]. The healthcare staff at Harran University Hospital have threatened to take more extensive protest actions if the food quality is not immediately changed and the contract with the offending contractor is not canceled. Currently, public opinion is waiting for an official response from the university presidency and the Turkish Ministry of Health to these documented images [3].