Novokuznetsk Maternity Chief Charged Over Nine Newborn Deaths, Denies Guilt

Overview

• Chief physician Vitaliy Kheraskov was charged under Part 3, Article 293 of Russia’s Criminal Code for negligence connected to the deaths.
• In court, an investigator said Kheraskov did not admit guilt to the allegations presented.
• Investigators reported preliminary findings that staff at City Hospital No. 1 and the Malakhovsky Children’s Clinical Hospital improperly carried out duties from December 19 to January 11.
• The Investigative Committee asked the court to place Kheraskov in pretrial detention as the inquiry proceeds.
• The maternity ward was closed over elevated respiratory infection rates, the chief was suspended, and the acting head of neonatal intensive care was also detained.