Poland’s PiS party announced Tuesday it will submit a motion of no confidence in Health Minister Jolanta Sobierańska-Grendy, citing concerns over healthcare system deterioration.
PiS Announces No-Confidence Motion
PiS Vice-President Przemysław Czarnek announced the intention to file a motion of no confidence in the Health Minister. Marta Golbik, head of the Sejm’s health committee (KO), dismissed the move as an internal campaign tactic by Czarnek and assured the ruling coalition would defend the minister.
Opposition Criticizes Healthcare Policies
PiS politicians criticized the Ministry of Health’s actions, pointing to a worsening situation in the healthcare system and announcing the planned no-confidence vote against Minister Sobierańska-Grendy. Czarnek labeled the minister a “liquidator” appointed by Donald Tusk.
Czarnek accused Sobierańska-Grenda of aiming to eliminate 30% of hospitals and introduce a system where patients pay doctors directly and seek reimbursement from the NFZ (National Health Fund), effectively privatizing healthcare.
Funding Cuts and Restructuring Concerns
PiS politician Czarnek noted that 2026 was declared the year of preventative care, yet funding for preventative screenings was simultaneously reduced, with cuts of 40% for colonoscopies/gastroscopies and 50% for imaging diagnostics.
Former Minister Alleges Corporate Takeover
Katarzyna Sójka, a former Health Minister under PiS, stated that the Ministry had been “taken over by a corporate receiver,” and that current healthcare management is restructuring-focused, prioritizing cost reduction. She suggested “amputation” is a more fitting term than “restructuring.”
Potential Ward Closures and Impact on Patients
Sójka warned that these actions could lead to ward closures, including maternity wards, negatively impacting patients, particularly women and young mothers.
Government Defends Health Minister
Marta Golbik (KO) acknowledged the right of the opposition to file no-confidence motions, but reiterated it was part of Czarnek’s internal campaign. She emphasized the need for cooperation on healthcare issues and affirmed the ruling coalition’s support for the Health Minister.
Golbik stated that the Ministry of Health is inherently a difficult portfolio, focusing on addressing anxieties and concerns of Polish citizens, and that it is unrealistic to expect a popular Health Minister.
Prime Minister Expresses Confidence
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at the end of March, stated he had full confidence in Minister Sobierańska-Grendy to implement difficult but necessary reforms to stabilize public healthcare finances.
Partia Razem Also Calls for Vote of No Confidence
The Partia Razem party also announced a motion of no confidence in the Health Minister in early April, criticizing plans to introduce limits on diagnostics and restrict access to healthcare.