Nine Newborns Die in Siberian Hospital: Russian Authorities Arrest Chief Doctor Amid Outrage Over Staff Shortages and Healthcare Failures

Russian authorities have arrested the chief physician and acting head of intensive care at Novokuznetsk Maternity Hospital No. 1 after nine newborns died this month. The case has sparked public outrage and political criticism across the country.

Prosecutors said the two hospital officials were charged with negligence causing death. The Russia Investigative Committee stated that the deaths occurred due to substandard performance of official and professional duties between January 4 and January 12, 2026. A forensic probe is ongoing to determine the exact causes of the infants’ deaths.

Regional health authorities reported that the babies had contracted a range of diseases during childbirth or pregnancy. The hospital itself confirmed it had temporarily stopped accepting patients due to a high rate of respiratory infections among newborns.

Staff shortages and funding gaps in the healthcare system have come under intense scrutiny. Local media reports suggested the hospital was missing dozens of staff members, although the hospital denied these claims. Lawmakers and online commentators have criticized systemic failures.

Valentina Matvienko, speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, called the incident a tragedy, saying, “It must never be repeated.” Kuzbass region Governor ordered inspections of all maternity and prenatal hospitals in the area to prevent further incidents.

Pro-Kremlin lawmaker Yana Lantratova said on Telegram: “In times of a demographic crisis, allowing several infants to die in one maternity hospital in such a short period is a crime against the country.” The public has expressed shock and demanded accountability for the loss of young lives.

Novokuznetsk, a city of roughly half a million in southern Siberia, still has one operational maternity hospital. Authorities say services continue at the other facility while investigations proceed.

The tragedy has intensified calls for healthcare reforms and better staffing in hospitals across Russia. Many citizens and politicians are demanding strict measures to prevent such events from happening again.