Russian authorities have arrested the medical leadership of a maternity hospital in Siberia, following the death of nine newborns in the first two weeks of the year. Investigators say the deaths were caused by negligence in providing medical care.
According to investigators, the head doctor of the maternity hospital and the interim head of the intensive care unit were detained on Wednesday. The information was confirmed by the Russian Investigative Committee, according to Reuters.
The two are suspected of not properly fulfilling their professional duties, which would have led to the death of the babies. So far, the targeted doctors or their lawyers have not made public statements.
Nine deaths in just over a month
The Investigative Committee stated that the tragedy occurred due to serious deficiencies in the organization and provision of medical care.
“As a result of the suspects’ failure to fulfill their official and professional duties in the organization and provision of medical care, nine babies born between December 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026, died”, the institution’s statement reads.
Public fury and uncomfortable questions
The case, widely reported by the independent press, has sparked outrage across Russia. Politicians, commentators, and ordinary citizens are asking how the state can increase its birth rate, a declared objective of President Vladimir Putin, when such tragedies continue to occur in the healthcare system.