January 13, 2026
‘A tragedy for the state’. Nine newborns died at a Siberian maternity ward this month, triggering a criminal investigation and renewed scrutiny of conditions
Nine newborns have died in recent weeks at a maternity ward in the Siberian city of Novokuznetsk. In response to the deaths, the Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation, and the hospital has temporarily stopped admissions. The incidents have also drawn attention to long-standing complaints about conditions at the facility. Here’s what we know so far.
TL;DR
- Nine newborns died in January at a maternity ward in Novokuznetsk, Siberia.
- The Kemerovo Regional Health Ministry reported 32 newborns required NICU treatment, 17 critically ill, with severe intrauterine infections and prematurity cited as causes.
- The maternity ward temporarily stopped admissions, with reasons cited as infant deaths, staffing shortages, or quarantine measures due to respiratory infections.
- An investigation has been launched for negligence, and the chief physician has been suspended.
- Parents reported withheld information about their children's conditions and alleged that staff were ill and not using protective gear.
- Long-standing complaints about unsanitary conditions, including pests and poor food quality, have been raised.
- National attention has been drawn to the incident, with federal specialists dispatched to review the ward's operations.
Continue reading the original article