Polish PM issues ultimatum on healthcare reform amid hospital scandal

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a stark ultimatum to the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the Ministry of Health, demanding systemic recommendations to curb hospital queue-jumping and alleged "VIP lounges" by Tuesday. Failure to comply will result in personnel decisions, Tusk announced during a press conference.

This ultimatum comes amidst a nearly three-week scandal surrounding the Southern Hospital in Warsaw, which erupted on June 15. The controversy has already led to the resignations of two key vice-presidents in Warsaw and prompted calls for a referendum in the city. Tusk's announcement, framed as a move to ensure equal access to the healthcare system, has created tension within the government.

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We see the need for major changes. We have many projects already in development. They will concern both remuneration and the reorganization of the system.

However, internal discussions within the ruling Civic Coalition (KO) reveal uncertainty about the seriousness of Tusk's ultimatum. Sources suggest that the focus for KO politicians is less on immediate dismissals and more on enacting legislative changes to address systemic issues within healthcare. During a KO club meeting, politicians reportedly expressed their expectations for significant legal reforms to the health service, aiming to eliminate market pathologies.

Reports indicate that the meeting with Health Minister Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda was tense. Politicians pressed for systemic changes, but the minister cited ongoing work and the need for Prime Minister Tusk's approval for new solutions. Sobierańska-Grenda, speaking to reporters afterward, described the meeting as "very constructive" and mentioned ongoing projects concerning salaries and system reorganization, a statement perceived by some as a diplomatic attempt to manage the situation. The lack of a clear plan from the Health Ministry has reportedly frustrated ruling party politicians who are tasked with answering journalists' questions on the matter.

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Either the National Health Fund and the Ministry of Health will prepare systemic recommendations by Tuesday to stop bypassing queues in hospitals and 'alleged VIP lounges,' or personnel decisions will be made.