Warsaw South Hospital scandal draws political fallout

A controversy at Warsaw’s South Hospital has become a national political crisis. Young doctor Dawid Kacprzyk, a Koalicja Obywatelska (KO) member and former Ursus district councilor, earned about 1.6 million zł in 2025 while coordinating the emergency department despite lacking specialist qualifications. Investigations revealed a “VIP lounge” that allegedly gave KO politicians preferential treatment and bypassed normal queues.

Former surgical department head Dr Emil Jędrzejewski testified that medical procedures on the emergency ward were performed negligently, leading to complications and patient deaths. He was summoned twice to the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office, initially refusing to give statements without a lawyer. Two criminal probes have been opened: one for alleged fraud exceeding half a million zł and another for abuse of public office concerning triage rules.

Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski dismissed the hospital’s board and supervisory council, appointing Aneta Gomółka‑Siembora as the new chair. Public opinion polls show 57 % of respondents demand the health minister’s resignation. Law‑maker Mariusz Krystian was publicly rebuked and faces a private indictment. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and senior KO figures have publicly criticised the whistle‑blower, while the lawyer Jacek Dubois defended Kacprzyk, stating he is cooperating with authorities. The scandal continues to dominate Polish political discourse and health‑sector oversight.