Russian investigative authorities have detained two senior doctors from a maternity hospital after the deaths of nine newborn babies in a city in southwestern Siberia. The case has triggered a criminal investigation into the organization and delivery of neonatal medical care at the facility. Officials state that the detentions are linked to suspected professional negligence.
The individuals detained include the chief physician of the hospital and the acting head of the neonatal intensive care unit. The investigation is being led by Russia’s State Investigative Committee, the federal body responsible for probing serious crimes. The doctors have not made public statements, and legal representatives were not immediately available for comment.
The deaths occurred at a maternity hospital in Novokuznetsk, an industrial city in southwestern Russia. According to investigators, the newborn deaths took place between December 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026, a period that overlaps with Russia’s extended New Year holidays, when staffing levels in hospitals are often reduced.
Investigators have opened a criminal case under statutes related to improper performance of official duties. Authorities allege that failures in organizing and providing appropriate medical care may have contributed to the deaths. At this stage, officials have not released detailed clinical causes of death or post-mortem findings.
Reports citing health officials indicate that the hospital recorded 234 births during the same period. Of these, 17 infants were classified as being in serious condition, and 16 were born prematurely. Many of the affected newborns reportedly had extremely low birth weight and severe intrauterine infections, conditions that are known to significantly increase the risk of neonatal mortality even with advanced care.
Media reports have stated that regional health authorities had issued multiple warnings to the hospital in the months preceding the deaths, raising concerns about care standards. These reports have not been independently verified by investigators, and officials have not clarified whether the warnings were directly related to neonatal services or staffing levels.
The State Investigative Committee has released footage showing investigators escorting one of the detained doctors and questioning hospital staff. The inquiry is ongoing, and authorities say further forensic and medical assessments are underway. No final conclusions regarding responsibility or causation have been announced.
The case has drawn national attention amid ongoing concerns about maternal and child health outcomes in Russia. While the investigation focuses on individual accountability, the incident has also highlighted the challenges of neonatal care during high-risk periods such as holidays, particularly for premature infants requiring intensive medical support.
As of the latest official updates, the investigation remains open. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional detentions or charges are expected. Medical findings related to the precise causes of death have yet to be formally released.
(Rh/SS/MSM)