Tomasz Grodzki testifies in Polish hospital corruption trial

Former Senate Marshal Tomasz Grodzki appeared as a witness before the Szczecin District Court, asserting that donations made by patients to the Fundacja Pomocy Transplantologii were voluntary and did not influence the scheduling of bariatric surgeries at the Zdunowo hospital. Prosecutors allege that between 2008 and 2019 patients paid roughly 10,000 zł each to the foundation to obtain faster, minimally invasive procedures, and that the foundation collected over 2.3 million zł from more than 217 patients, with doctors receiving about 900,000 zł.

The indictment names 30 individuals, including surgeons, foundation presidents, an accountant and about 26 patients. Grodzki, who founded the charity and previously headed the thoracic surgery department at Zdunowo, denied any personal gain, saying the funds were used for equipment, training and research. He described the case as politically motivated, stating, “All accusations are unfounded.” The court is examining whether the alleged payments constituted bribery or a legitimate charitable contribution.