A hospital in Nowa Dęba, Podkarpackie Province, Poland, faces potential closure of its maternity and neonatology departments due to financial strain and declining births.
Six Maternity Wards Closed in Recent Years
Over the past few years, six maternity wards have closed in the Podkarpackie province. Closures occurred in Lesko and Leżajsk in January, preceded by Przeworsk and Nisko within the last eighteen months, and earlier closures in Ustrzyki Dolne and Sanok.
Hospital in Nowa Dęba Faces Financial Difficulties
Currently, the hospital in Nowa Dęba is struggling. Local authorities cite high maintenance costs for the obstetrics and neonatology departments, coupled with a decreasing number of births at the facility.
“Neonatology and Obstetrics are Dragging the Hospital Down”
According to Deputy Starosta of Tarnobrzeg, Wojciech Śmiech, a cost analysis revealed that neonatology and obstetrics are financially unsustainable for the hospital. He also pointed to demographic factors, stating that the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. A final decision regarding the Nowa Dęba maternity ward will be made in April.
Prime Minister Tusk Claims No Access Issues to Maternity Wards
On March 20th, during the #BezKitu program on TVN24, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland does not have a problem with access to maternity wards, claiming the country has the densest network in Europe. He argued that maintaining numerous departments with low birth rates is wasteful and that some closures are necessary.
Tusk Denies Closure of Lesko Maternity Ward, Later Corrected
During the program, Tusk denied reports of the Lesko maternity ward’s closure, stating he was informed about the situation and would not intentionally upset hundreds of thousands of women. He added that any decisions would prioritize the safety of future mothers.
Government Spokesperson Apologizes for Misinformation
Iwona Holcman, head of gynecology at the Lesko hospital, confirmed the ward closed in January. Magdalena Dąbrowska, head of the All-Poland Trade Union of Nurses and Midwives at the Lesko hospital, stated that Tusk’s claim was false, citing a lack of funds as the reason for the closure. On March 24th, government spokesperson Adam Szłapka apologized for misleading the public regarding the Lesko maternity ward.