Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk faced scrutiny over his statements regarding the status of a maternity ward in Lesko, as several hospitals in the Podkarpackie region close their doors.
Closure of Lesko Maternity Ward Contested
During a TVN24 program on March 20th, Prime Minister Tusk asserted that Poland does not have a problem with access to maternity wards, claiming the country has the densest network in Europe. He denied the closure of the hospital in Lesko, Podkarpackie, when questioned by a viewer.
Iwona Holcman, the head of gynecology in Lesko, contradicted Tusk’s statement, confirming the ward has been closed since January 2026 due to a lack of funding and ongoing losses for the hospital. Magdalena Dąbrowska of TVN24 echoed this, stating the Prime Minister “said something untrue.”
Regional Trend of Maternity Ward Closures
The closure in Lesko is part of a wider trend in the Podkarpackie region. Since January, two additional maternity wards—in Lesko and Leżajsk—have ceased operations. Previously, wards in Przeworsk, Nisko, Ustrzyki Dolne, and Sanok were also closed over the past several years.
Government Plans and Funding Issues
In November, the Ministry of Health presented a plan to address the issue of closing maternity wards in smaller hospitals, but the regulations did not come into effect at the beginning of the year. A planned gynecology clinic in Lesko, intended for scheduled procedures, has also stalled due to insufficient funding—requiring at least 300,000 złoty monthly to operate.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka stated the Lesko maternity ward is currently undergoing renovations and that every woman will receive adequate care. He noted the decision to renovate was prompted by the lack of births at the facility. Prime Minister Tusk acknowledged public anxieties about longer travel distances to maternity care but maintained that safety is paramount.
Critics have described the situation as a “nightmare for women,” suggesting a lack of investment in women’s healthcare. Tusk explained that the high density of maternity wards combined with a low birth rate represents a misuse of funds, necessitating some closures.
