Investigation launched into alleged corruption at Warsaw hospital morgue

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged corruption at the morgue of the University Clinical Center (UCK WUM) of the Medical University of Warsaw. The probe follows reports detailing serious irregularities in the handling of deceased patients' bodies.

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The hospital is obliged to wash and cover the bodies, respecting the dignity of the deceased, and to store them for a maximum of 72 hours.

An investigation by Onet revealed accounts from former employees of a company contracted to manage the morgue's cold storage. These accounts claim that bodies of some patients were left in the morgue for months, leading to severe decomposition. Furthermore, families of the deceased were allegedly pressured to use a specific funeral home.

The hospital has strongly refuted these accusations, issuing a statement protesting the dissemination of "untrue media information." UCK WUM representatives argued that the source of the allegations stems from competing funeral homes with their own interests. They stated that external and internal inspections found no evidence to support the claims, with only a need for ventilation review noted in a prior external inspection.

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UCK WUM strongly opposes the publication of untrue, shocking, and misleading content (including for UCK WUM Patients), which directly harms the good name, reputation, and image of UCK WUM, and is contrary to law and good customs.

The Ministry of Health has requested urgent explanations and controls at the facility, emphasizing that hospitals are responsible for preparing bodies with dignity and storing them for a maximum of 72 hours. The prosecutor's office is investigating potential acceptance of financial benefits by public officials employed at the UCK WUM.

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The publication of articles containing untrue information and theses, often replicated by other editorial offices, is highly damaging to patients, their families, and UCK WUM itself, and is an affront to the seriousness and dignity of death.