Two senior doctors have been arrested in Novokuznetsk, Russia, following the deaths of nine babies at a maternity hospital. The newborns died during the New Year holiday period.
The Investigative Committee, Russia's main investigative authority, stated that the chief physician and the head of the intensive care unit at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No.1 were detained. The arrests were made for the "improper performance of their official and professional duties in organising and providing medical care."
All nine babies were born at the hospital between January 1 and 12, with the first death occurring on January 4. The suspects are reportedly cooperating with the investigation. Authorities are in the process of deciding on charges and potential pre-trial detention.
As part of the ongoing investigation, victims and witnesses have been questioned, and materials have been seized. Nine post-mortem examinations are currently being conducted. The Interfax news agency reported that the Kemerovo Region Ministry of Health, which is also investigating, indicated the infants had a severe intra-uterine infection.
Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No.1 has announced it is no longer admitting patients due to an elevated rate of respiratory infections.