[REVISION HISTORY]

Novi Pazar hospital newborn death investigation and protests

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2026-11-05 23:00 UTC → 2026-11-07 08:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The General Hospital in Novi Pazar initiated a professional investigation and oversight process following the death of a newborn in the gynecology and obstetrics department on October 30. The infant, weighing six kilograms, died after complications arose when the baby became stuck in the birth canal during delivery. Dr. Dina Dolovac, from the hospital’s gynecological-obstetric department, stated that a vaginal delivery was chosen over a C-section because the mother was in an advanced stage of labor. Dolovac explained that performing a C-section at that stage posed a high risk of uterine rupture and heavy bleeding, which could have endangered the mother’s life. By early November, the hospital formed a five member internal oversight commission. Hospital Director Meho Mahmutović reported that written statements were requested from all medical staff involved. The Ministry of Health’s health inspection was notified to conduct an external audit, and a forensic autopsy was performed, with final results pending histopathological analysis. The infant’s father, Adnan Rebronja, raised concerns regarding medical conduct, alleging that his wife was subjected to excessive physical strain and pressured to sign a document stating she was leaving against medical advice. The mother, Emina Serhatlić Rebronja, further alleges that medical staff refused her requests for a cesarean section and altered decisions regarding an emergency transfer to Kragujevac. On November 4, citizens held a protest in front of the General Hospital to demand accountability. Protesters submitted nine specific demands to hospital management, including the dismissal of Director Meho Mahmutović and the entire leadership team. ~~Their demands include~~ The Belgrade Center for Human Rights has also called for an independent investigation into the infant’s death, a review of patient mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of a properly staffed transfusion service, and improved treatment of women in the maternity ward. to determine if medical procedures aligned with modern standards.

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