RUSSIA ARRESTS TWO DOCTORS AFTER NINE NEWBORNS DIE IN HOSPITAL

Russian authorities have arrested two senior doctors following the deaths of nine newborns at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital in Siberia earlier this month.
The infants, all born between January 1 and 12, died during the extended New Year holiday period, sparking outrage across the country. The first death was reported on January 4, according to Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for Russia’s Investigative Committee.
The committee has not released an official cause of death, though the Kemerovo Region Ministry of Health indicated that the babies had suffered from a severe intra-uterine infection.
Authorities confirmed that the hospital’s chief physician and the head of the intensive care unit were detained on suspicion of “improper performance of their official and professional duties in organizing and providing medical care.” Both are reportedly cooperating with investigators, while officials decide on formal charges and pre-trial detention measures.
Investigators are conducting nine post-mortem examinations, questioning witnesses, and collecting evidence as part of a broader inquiry. The committee released video footage showing one doctor being escorted away and another signing documents in the presence of law enforcement.
The hospital has announced it will temporarily stop accepting new patients due to a higher-than-usual rate of respiratory infections, further affecting the local healthcare system.
The incident has intensified public concern over neonatal care and hospital oversight in Russia, raising urgent questions about medical protocols during holiday periods when staffing may be reduced.