The Ministry of Health has declined to comment on whether inspections will be conducted at the hospital where Tatiana Drozdova received treatment before her death, citing patient confidentiality laws. The decision follows a formal inquiry submitted by NGS on June 9, prompted by concerns raised by Drozdova’s mother, Alena, who suggested her daughter’s death was due to medical negligence.

The Ministry of Health explained its refusal by stating that Tatiana Drozdova had revoked permission to share her medical information with third parties on January 30, 2024. Referencing Article 13 of the Federal Law “On the Basics of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation,” the ministry emphasized that details regarding a patient’s medical history, condition, and treatment are legally protected as medical secrets.

The ministry added that it promptly addresses citizen inquiries about healthcare organization and makes appropriate decisions.

Tatiana Drozdova, who had been battling ADA-SCID, a severe combined immunodeficiency, for several years, passed away on June 4.

Separately, it was recently revealed that a criminal case against employees of the regional Ministry of Health had been closed. This case, initiated last year, concerned the alleged failure to comply with a court order to provide Drozdova with a specific foreign medication.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Tatiana Drozdova’s death is currently underway. The Investigative Committee for the Novosibirsk Region is conducting a criminal procedural investigation into the possibility of negligence causing death (Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The Investigative Committee for the Novosibirsk Region stated that details of the ongoing preliminary investigation cannot be disclosed at this time.