Public Dissatisfied with Response to Southern Hospital Scandal

A recent Opinia24 poll reveals that nearly half of Poles consider the consequences for those responsible for the Southern Hospital scandal insufficient, highlighting a deep divide among the electorate.

Public Opinion on Accountability

In a survey conducted by Opinia24 for RMF FM, respondents were asked if the consequences faced by those involved in the Southern Hospital scandal were adequate. Only 19% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction, while 47% labeled the measures insufficient.

The sentiment varies sharply by political affiliation. While 45% of Civic Coalition voters view the current actions as appropriate, 78% of Law and Justice supporters remain dissatisfied. Notably, 21% of respondents held no opinion, and 13% were unaware of the scandal.

Background of the Southern Hospital Scandal

In June, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski dismissed the Southern Hospital board and appointed a new supervisory council. Subsequently, two deputy mayors, Renata Kaznowska and Aldona Machnowska-Gora, resigned from their posts in early July.

These actions followed revelations that Dawid Kacprzyk, a Civic Coalition councilor in Ursus, earned 1.6 million PLN in medical facilities last year, including a role at the Southern Hospital. Reports further alleged that party allies were given preferential treatment at his department, leading to his dismissal and resignation from his council seat.

Ongoing Investigations and Oversight

Two criminal investigations are currently underway regarding the hospital: one concerning fraud exceeding half a million PLN and another regarding the abuse of power by a public official, specifically involving triage violations.

Multiple oversight bodies, including the Supreme Medical Chamber, the National Health Fund, the capital’s municipal office, and the National Labor Inspectorate, are conducting inspections. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has ordered the Mazovian Voivode and the national consultant in emergency medicine to audit emergency departments at the Southern Hospital and the Brodnowski Hospital.

Planned Systemic Reforms

Following the scandal, Prime Minister Donald Tusk ordered the creation of healthcare system reforms. Health Minister Jolanta Sobieranska-Grenda presented a series of proposals alongside the leadership of the National Health Fund and the Patient Ombudsman.

Proposed measures include mandating transparency for contracts signed with the National Health Fund, capping hourly wages for medical staff, setting limits on hospital budget allocations for salaries, and implementing stricter working time record-keeping across clinics and hospitals.