Polish MP Małgorzata Pępek accused of skipping hospital queue

Małgorzata Pępek, a member of the Koalicja Obywatelska, received a gastroscopy at the Żywiec hospital three weeks after registration, far shorter than the typical two‑year waiting period for the procedure. Hospital officials said the accelerated appointment breached the principle of equal access and will not be billed to the National Health Fund, calling the allegations “absolutely untrue.”

Pępek claimed the appointment resulted from a freed‑up slot and that she followed standard procedures, accusing the hospital of retaliating for her political activity. Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka said the MP will be asked to explain the matter to the KO parliamentary club and warned of possible consequences. The party’s chairman, Zbigniew Konwiński, confirmed that Pępek has been summoned to provide explanations.

The case has sparked public debate over preferential treatment of politicians in public healthcare and may lead to internal disciplinary actions within the party.