A heated exchange on Polsat News saw an MEP criticize the temporary shutdown of Konin Hospital’s oncology wing and urge displaced patients to seek care elsewhere, provoking a sharp rebuttal from a journalist. The MEP later apologized, vowed to secure funding, and promised to resume treatment services.
Sharp Exchange in Live Interview
During the “Debata Gozdyra” programme on Polsat News, host Michał Szczerba highlighted the pause of the oncology wing at Konin Hospital, noting that the National Health Fund was intended to cover only the first quarter. The MEP argued that there are suitable facilities nearby that could immediately receive patients and urged those displaced to seek alternative care within the Greater Poland Voivodeship. He said that no one should be told they are “second‑tier” patients and that the hospital would not accept them, comments the presenter cut off, remarking the motions are rarely accepted and suggesting the patients are of a lower priority.
MP Sends an Apology
After the broadcast, the MEP issued a public apology via his social‑media accounts, stating that oncology patients should never be denied care and that he had known the urgency of the situation while on the show. He admitted that advising patients to find other facilities was inappropriate, apologised to the journalist, and promised to work to secure adequate funds so the Konin centre could resume treatment immediately.
Criticism of Politicians and Media Response
Reporter Gozdyra replied that political figures often detach themselves from ordinary people’s problems while the media typically reacts quickly. She emphasised that the long‑standing debate over hospitals requires politicians to show empathy. The programme concluded with a reminder that patients bear the greatest burden, lacking the privileges that politicians enjoy, and that the media must keep demanding accountability.
Source: Gazeta,
