Turkish Healthcare Workers Protest 'Unjust' Appointment System, Say Future is Being 'Executed'

A group of unemployed healthcare professionals gathered outside the Ministry of Health in Turkey, holding signs displaying their KPSS (Public Personnel Selection Examination) scores. Under the banner "One Appointment for a Two-Year Valid Score is Unacceptable!", they voiced their frustration with the current appointment system.

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Today, the Ministry of Health, by making these young people wait for the 2026 KPSS, is executing their hopes, their dreams, their future.

The protesters argued that it is illogical and unfair to allow only a single appointment opportunity for a KPSS score that remains valid for two years. They emphasized that their efforts in education and their qualifications are being disregarded, leaving them with no prospects but to wait at home.

Aras Ali Altıntaş, speaking on behalf of the unemployed healthcare workers, drew a stark parallel between the signs they wore and those historically placed on condemned prisoners before execution. "Today, the Ministry of Health, by making these young people wait for the 2026 KPSS, is executing their hopes, their dreams, their future," Altıntaş stated. He added that high scores, years of education, and sacrifices are no longer enough to secure employment in the country.

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We are ready. We want to serve this country. But no one hears our voice.

The group stressed that they are not seeking to blame anyone but to highlight an overlooked issue. "We are ready. We want to serve this country. But no one hears our voice," Altıntaş declared, issuing a clear call to the Ministry of Health. They are demanding additional appointment quotas for the 2024 KPSS and urging that healthcare workers awaiting appointments not be subjected to further uncertainty, especially as the health system grapples with staff shortages.

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Additional quotas must be announced for the 2024 KPSS health appointments. Healthcare workers awaiting appointments should not be condemned to further uncertainty. Thousands of ready healthcare workers should not be ignored while the health system struggles with staff shortages.