Health Ministry

Turkish ministry probes drug maker over bribe claims

Turkey's Health Ministry has said it launched an investigation into allegations a drug-maker, which it did not name, secured $85 million in business advantages through bribery.

Reuters reported this week an anonymous whistleblower accused Swiss company Novartis of paying bribes through a consulting firm to secure advantages worth an estimated $85 million.

Five killed, 36 injured in suicide attack in central Istanbul

Five people were killed and 36 others were injured in a suicide bomb attack on March 19 in central Istanbul, on the busy ?stiklal Avenue in Taksim.

Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Müezzino?lu said 36 people, including 12 foreign nationals and a child, were injured, and seven of the victims in hospitals were in critical condition.

Bulgarian Milk Producers Threaten Protest over Low Farmgate Prices

Bulgarian milk producers have threatened protest action on March 24 over the farmgate prices of their produce which they see as too low, BGNES reported on Monday.

Meeting in Stara Zagora, in southern Bulgaria, milk producers have also asked the prosecuting authorities to launch a probe of a suspected cartel agreement among milk processing factories.

Minister: 1,300 Syrians currently jailed in Turkey

Some 1,300 Syrians are currently jailed in Turkey, Justice Minister Bekir Bozda? announced, noting that 2,400 Syrians in total have been imprisoned due to arrests or convictions. Bozda?'s announcement came late Feb. 17 during a session of the parliament's general assembly while he was responding to questions from opposition deputies on a draft law concerning citizens' personal data.

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