Brazilian police launch probe into eight child deaths at São Paulo private hospital

São Paulo’s Civil Police have opened an investigation into eight child deaths that occurred at the private Salvalus Hospital, with victims ranging from newborns to a 12-year-old. The complaints, filed this week, allege the children contracted infections that led to sepsis, prompting police to interview medical personnel, witnesses and to scrutinize all relevant records. Media review uncovered 16 pediatric deaths at the facility this year, including the case of Alice de Andrades, who suffered multiple complications, a KPC-producing bacterial infection and ultimately died at age one.

Hospital group Hapvida, part of the Notre Dame Intermedic network, says examinations have revealed distinct clinical histories and no shared infectious source. Attorney Eduarda Gomes, representing dozens of grieving mothers, says the hospital has been uncooperative and calls for those responsible to be held accountable. The probe underscores broader concerns about infection control and patient safety in Brazil’s private healthcare sector.