Russian authorities detained two hospital officials following the deaths of nine newborns at a Novokuznetsk medical center between December 2025 and January 2026.
Infant Deaths at Hospital
The Russian Investigative Committee reported the deaths of nine newborns born between December 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026, at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1. The children died in January due to receiving inadequate medical care.
The chief physician and the temporary head of the intensive care unit have been detained in connection with the case. They are suspected of negligence and “causing the death of two or more persons through improper performance of official duties.”
Critical Condition of Newborns
According to Interfax reports, 234 children were born at the hospital from December 1 to January 11. Thirty-two were admitted to the intensive care unit. Seventeen newborns were in critical condition, including 16 premature infants, some with extremely low birth weight. All 17 developed severe intrauterine infections, including one case of primary immunodeficiency, reported the Kemerovo Region Health Ministry.
Ongoing Investigation
Four newborns remain in the intensive care unit. An equal number have been transferred to the Professor Małachowski Children’s Clinical Hospital in Kuzbass for treatment. “Investigative actions against the suspects are ongoing. Determinations regarding the charges against them and the application of preventive measures are being made,” stated spokeswoman for the Russian Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko.
