Polish KO party takes no action against MP over out-of-turn treatment reports

Poland's Koalicja Obywatelska (KO) parliamentary club has decided against taking disciplinary action against Member of Parliament Małgorzata Pępek, despite media reports alleging she received medical treatment out of turn.

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The Collegium of the Parliamentary Club of Civic Coalition, during its regular meeting, addressed, among other things, media reports concerning MP Małgorzata Pępek. The Collegium members listened to the MP's exhaustive explanations. The presented information does not confirm the image of the situation presented in some media publications.

The club's leadership reviewed the allegations and heard explanations from Pępek. According to a statement from KO parliamentary club spokesperson Dorota Łoboda, the information presented "did not confirm the image of the situation presented in some media publications."

Łoboda added that due to the sensitive nature of the case, which involves the parliamentarian's health, the club would not reveal further details. This decision means Pępek will face no internal sanctions within the parliamentary group.

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Due to the fact that the matter concerns the health issues of the MP, the Collegium cannot disclose details.

The controversy stems from a report by Zero.pl concerning a medical examination Pępek underwent in February 2025 at a hospital in Żywiec. The portal claimed Pępek was scheduled for the examination by a hospital employee connected to KO structures. While the standard waiting time for such a procedure was reportedly over 23 months, Pępek allegedly waited only about three weeks. Zero.pl also suggested the examination was performed out of turn, and the hospital's management later informed Pępek of irregularities.

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She did me a favor, because due to professional obligations I didn't have time to come and register myself at the hospital.

Pępek confirmed to Zero.pl that a hospital employee had arranged the appointment, stating it was a "favor" because she lacked time to register herself due to professional obligations. She claimed she was informed of an available slot after a few weeks. Pępek also acknowledged receiving a letter about irregularities but believed she had a right to the service as a healthcare contributor. The report noted that following this incident, Pępek began submitting parliamentary interpellations critical of the Żywiec Hospital's operations, though she stated her long-standing interest in the facility's situation.

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I received information after a few weeks that a slot had become available and I could come for the examination.