Bulgarian authorities investigate a case of babies switched at birth in a metropolitan hospital

The Prosecutor's office is investigating alleged baby switch in a hospital in Sofia. The case unravelled several months after the birth after a mother became suspicious and took a DNA test.

According to BNT sources, the case is from “Sheinovo” Hospital, but at this time its director is not answering his phone for comment.

A mother suspected that the child she was discharged from the hospital with was not her baby because they had no visual resemblance. A DNA test confirmed those suspicions. According to unofficial information, the other mother, who is believed to be the mother of the other baby, refused to take the test.

According to BNT sources, the bracelets put on the mothers and the babies were with different numbers when they were discharged.

"We found out about the case from the media. An inquiry was ordered by the hospital director. We will send a letter to “Medical Audit” and they should do a probe if it has not already started. The whole truth should be revealed, if there are guilty people, they should be punished," said Doncho Barbalov, deputy mayor of Sofia Municipality.

On the orders of caretaker Health Minister, Assen Medzhidiev, the Medical Supervision Agency launched an investigation. The case is also being checked by the Sofia District Prosecutor's Office. Pre-trial proceedings were also opened in the case on 14 December for intentional swith of babies, Sofia City Prosecutor's Office said.

Currently, the Social Assistance Directorate is checking whether a report has been received by the mother, who claims that her baby has been switched with another infant. If necessary, at the discretion of the investigators, the social services may provide protection measures. At the moment, no such measure has been taken, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy told BNT.