Russian hospital probes newborn deaths amid negligence and unsafe conditions

An investigation is underway at Novokuznetsk General Hospital No. 1 after several newborn deaths raised concerns about conditions and care. Most of the infants who died were premature, while the majority of over 140 babies delivered since late December remained in good health. Authorities are now examining possible negligence and unsafe facilities as contributing factors.

Inspections revealed serious issues in the maternity ward, including mould growth and faulty ventilation systems. These problems had been noted before, with similar violations recorded as early as 2021.

Each newborn at the hospital was assigned an individual doctor, making it unlikely that all specialists could have made identical errors at the same time. However, some mothers arrived without proper medical records, complicating treatment decisions. The hospital’s chief physician and acting head of intensive care now face charges of negligence and involuntary manslaughter. While their positions have been confirmed, their names have not yet been released in public reports.

The case has highlighted long-standing safety concerns in the Novokuznetsk general hospital ward. With multiple violations documented over years, officials will need to address both structural failures and medical oversight. The investigation continues as families await further answers.