Polish PM Gives Health Minister Ultimatum Over Hospital Scandal

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a stern warning to the health minister, demanding concrete recommendations by Tuesday to address systemic problems plaguing Polish hospitals. The ultimatum comes in the wake of a scandal at Szpital Południowy in Warsaw, where a 28-year-old coordinator allegedly earned 1.6 million zloty in 2025 despite lacking specialization. Further reports suggested that politicians from the ruling Civic Coalition may have received preferential treatment at the facility.

“

If by Tuesday I do not receive satisfactory, precise recommendations, then on Wednesday I will make appropriate decisions, including personal ones.

Tusk stated that if he does not receive satisfactory recommendations by Tuesday, he will make "appropriate decisions, including personal ones," signaling a potential dismissal of Health Minister Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda. He emphasized that the upcoming week would be decisive in this matter, stressing his commitment to eradicating negative practices. Tusk also defended the minister's apolitical and professional approach, expressing a desire to shield healthcare from political infighting, but questioned whether she possesses the necessary strength and determination.

“

My task is to draw consequences in a way that primarily enables the cessation of these negative practices.

The scandal at Szpital Południowy erupted after revelations by the portal Zero.pl. Following the reports, Dawid Kacprzyk, the coordinator in question, resigned from Civic Coalition and his position as a district councilor. He also returned 500,000 zloty to the hospital. In response, the Mayor of Warsaw dismissed the hospital's management and supervisory board, appointing a new management team. Two investigations have been initiated concerning fraud exceeding half a million zloty and abuse of power by a public official. Prosecutors also plan to examine whether Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski was aware of the irregularities.

“

If the health minister does not give me assurance that this will happen, I will not hesitate [regarding her dismissal].