Medical staff released in Barinas hospital newborn injury case

Five medical professionals from the Hospital Dr. Luis Razetti in Barinas have been released from detention following an incident in the neonatology unit involving a newborn. The staff members, including Dr. Harry Sánchez, Dr. Nohelia Solórzano, Dr. Belmary Ciro, and nurses Yusmary García and Neira Katrina, were released under precautionary measures.

The release includes a requirement to report to authorities every 30 days and a prohibition on leaving the country while the judicial process continues. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the Public Ministry having a 45-day window to formalize accusations.

The incident occurred after a lamp used for heat reportedly fell or exploded, causing third-degree burns to a newborn. While the medical staff was detained by municipal police, health workers and human rights groups like Fundehullan have criticized the arrests, questioning the timing of the detentions and arguing that the incident reflects hospital deficiencies rather than criminal negligence by the staff.