The chief physician and acting head of the intensive care unit at a Siberian maternity hospital in Russia have been detained after the deaths of nine newborn babies, investigators said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Russia's State Investigative Committee said the doctors were detained on suspicion of causing death by negligence. The doctors and their lawyers could not immediately be reached.
"As a result of the inadequate performance of the suspects' official and professional duties in organizing and providing medical care... nine newborns born between December 1, 2025 and January 12, 2026 died," the Committee said in a statement.
The case, reported by state and independent media, has sparked widespread outrage in Russia.
Politicians, commentators and ordinary Russians have asked how the country can hope to increase the birth rate - a priority set by Russian President Vladimir Putin - if such tragedies are allowed to happen.
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