Government spokesman Adam Szłapka apologized for Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s inaccurate statement regarding the functioning of a maternity ward in Lesko, Poland, on March 24th.
Tusk’s Initial Claim and Subsequent Correction
Prime Minister Donald Tusk had asserted that the maternity ward in Lesko was operational. However, internet users and media outlets quickly demonstrated this was not the case. Government spokesman Adam Szłapka addressed the issue during a press conference, offering a sincere apology for misleading the public.
Szłapka confirmed that, contrary to Tusk’s previous assurances, the ward is currently non-functional.
Tusk’s Previous Statements on Maternity Ward Closures
The matter stems from Tusk’s remarks on TVN24 on Friday, where he responded to questions about the closure of the Lesko maternity ward by stating, “No, it is not closed.” He also maintained that access to maternity wards in Poland was not as problematic as critics suggested, claiming Poland has the densest network in Europe.
Ward’s Closure and Local Decision-Making
Szłapka clarified that neither the government, the National Health Fund (NFZ), nor the Ministry of Health intended to close the ward. He attributed the situation to decisions made by the local district authorities.
Specifically, he cited repeated requests from the district council and a final decision by the council that led to the ward’s closure.
Suspension of Operations and Proposed Alternatives
Information from TVN24 indicates the ward’s operations were suspended on July 1, 2025, due to staffing shortages and ongoing renovations. The suspension could last up to six months, prompting the ward director to request the NFZ to terminate the contract.
The regional branch of the NFZ proposed a contract for a gynecological ward and a delivery room, known as a “birth room,” a solution intended for hospitals closing maternity wards.
Hospital’s Rejection of NFZ Proposal
The hospital declined the proposed contract, deeming it “completely unacceptable” and citing the risks associated with a “birth room.” Instead, they reached an agreement for a gynecological-obstetric clinic, but the maternity ward remains closed since January 1, 2026.
