Poll: Poles Want Harsher Consequences for Southern Hospital Scandal

A significant portion of the Polish public believes that the repercussions for the scandal at Warsaw's Southern Hospital have been too lenient. A poll conducted between July 6-8 found that 47% of respondents feel the consequences are insufficient, with 29% strongly holding this view. Only 19% believe the actions taken so far are adequate.

The controversy erupted in mid-June when reports revealed that Dawid Kacprzyk, a 28-year-old councilor and coordinator at the hospital's emergency department, earned approximately 1.6 million Polish zloty in 2025. Further allegations suggested that politicians from the Civic Coalition were admitted to the hospital ahead of others. In response to the growing outcry, Kacprzyk resigned from his political positions and returned 500,000 zloty to the hospital.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski took decisive action by dismissing the hospital's management and supervisory board. Additionally, two deputy mayors of Warsaw resigned in early July. The situation has led to two criminal investigations: one concerning fraud exceeding half a million zloty and another investigating the abuse of power by a public official. Prosecutors also plan to examine whether the mayor of Warsaw was aware of the irregularities.

Adding to the scandal, a former head of surgery at the hospital claimed in an interview that medical procedures were performed improperly, leading to complications and even patient deaths. He also alleged that medical documentation was falsified. Kacprzyk has since denied these claims, stating the doctor is not telling the truth.