Top doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia: "A crime against the country"

January 14, 2026 / 7:16 AM EST / CBS/AFP

Top doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia: "A crime against the country"

TL;DR

  • Nine babies died at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1 in Siberia.
  • The hospital's chief physician and acting head of intensive care were arrested on negligence charges.
  • The deaths have exposed potential staff shortages and funding issues in Russia's healthcare system.
  • Regional health authorities stated the deceased babies had various diseases and died during childbirth or pregnancy.
  • The hospital had reportedly received warnings from health authorities prior to the incident.
  • An inspection of all maternity and pre-natal hospitals in the Kuzbass region has been ordered.
  • The incident has been called a tragedy and a crime against the country by Russian officials.