Prosecutors Investigate Forged Death Certificates at Southern Hospital in Warsaw

Prosecutors in Warsaw have launched an investigation into the alleged falsification of 20 death certificates at Southern Hospital, involving the unauthorized use of a coordinator’s seal and signature.

Investigation into Forged Documents

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw is examining incidents occurring between August 22 and September 9, 2025. Authorities suspect that 20 death certificates were issued using a missing seal and an unauthorized signature.

The investigation was triggered by a report from the hospital’s morgue coordinator, whose seal was used while they were on vacation. The individual became aware of the forgery after being contacted by the Civil Registry Office regarding an incomplete certificate.

Legal Procedures and Related Inquiries

Prosecutors have ordered the seizure of original death certificates from the Civil Registry Office archives to undergo forensic document analysis. Officials stated that this case is currently treated as a separate matter from two other investigations concerning irregularities at the hospital’s Emergency Department (SOR).

In total, 32 proceedings involving the Warsaw Southern Hospital have been recorded between January 2023 and June 2026. These include investigations into a half-million-zloty fraud and allegations of abuse of power by public officials regarding triage procedures.

Broader Oversight and Allegations

Multiple oversight bodies, including the Supreme Medical Chamber, the City of Warsaw, the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP), are conducting inspections at the facility. The Ministry of Health has also ordered audits of the emergency departments at both Southern Hospital and the Mazovian Bródnowski Hospital.

These actions follow reports concerning high earnings of the SOR coordinator and allegations that certain politicians received preferential treatment. Furthermore, a former department head recently alleged that medical malpractice at the hospital led to preventable patient deaths, for which he has since provided testimony to the prosecutor’s office.