Russian law enforcement authorities have taken two senior medical professionals into custody amid a devastating neonatal tragedy at a maternity facility in Siberia. The Investigative Committee of Russia confirmed the arrests following the deaths of nine infants at Novokutznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1 during the extended New Year holiday period.
The investigation, led by the nation’s primary federal investigative authority, centers on allegations of professional negligence and failure to provide adequate medical care. Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko disclosed that the fatalities occurred between January 1-12, with the initial death recorded on January 4.
Those detained include the hospital’s chief physician and the head of the intensive care unit. Official statements indicate both medical professionals are cooperating fully with investigators as authorities determine appropriate charges and pre-trial detention measures.
Evidence collection efforts have intensified, with investigators conducting multiple witness interviews, securing relevant documentation, and performing nine post-mortem examinations. The committee released surveillance footage showing one suspect being escorted by authorities and another signing official documents under supervision.
Contradictory information has emerged regarding potential causes. While the official investigation has not released definitive conclusions, regional health authorities from the Kemerovo Region Ministry suggested through Interfax news agency that the infants might have suffered from severe intra-uterine infections.
The hospital has temporarily suspended new admissions citing unusually high rates of respiratory infections within the facility. This tragic incident has generated significant public outrage across Russia, raising serious concerns about healthcare quality and medical oversight in regional facilities.