"People are dying because someone is learning".

In recent weeks, a scandal has erupted around the South Hospital in Warsaw, drawing attention to serious allegations involving medical practices, financial irregularities, and political connections. At the center of this controversy is Dr. Emil Jędrzejewski, a former head of the surgery department at the hospital who has come forward with accusations about the conditions within the facility. His revelations have sparked public concern and prompted investigations into the management and operations of the hospital, which falls under the jurisdiction of Warsaw’s mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski.

The situation escalated after reports surfaced regarding Dawid Kacprzyk, a young doctor without a specialty who served as the coordinator of the SOR unit at the South Hospital. According to published information, Kacprzyk earned over 1.6 million złoty in 2025 while working approximately 331 hours per month—equivalent to 11 hours each day of the year. This raised questions about the nature of his work and whether he was being compensated appropriately for such a high workload. Additionally, there were claims that members of the Civic Coalition party had been given preferential treatment, including expedited access to medical services and special accommodations, such as a so-called "VIP salon" where test results could be obtained more quickly than in standard procedures.

Following these disclosures, Kacprzyk resigned from his position at the hospital, returned 500,000 złoty, and left the Civic Coalition party. In response, Mayor Trzaskowski dismissed the hospital's board and established a new oversight committee, claiming it would bring together experienced professionals to ensure proper governance. However, the issue remains unresolved, with ongoing scrutiny directed toward the hospital's leadership and its relationship with local politicians.

Dr. Jędrzejewski, during an interview with Kanal Zero, confirmed the existence of the VIP salon but emphasized that it was only one aspect of larger concerns within the hospital. He described the initial state of the surgical department when he joined three years ago as chaotic, noting the absence of full medical teams and the presence of individuals operating independently. Despite this, he managed to transform the department into a profitable entity, earning 600,000 złoty annually from the profits generated. However, he also pointed out that the hospital owed him over a million złoty for his contributions over nearly a decade.

According to Jędrzejewski, the hospital faced periods of financial strain, even halting non-emergency surgeries for two months due to budget constraints. These challenges, he argued, contributed to situations where patients might not receive timely care, leading to preventable deaths. He suggested that some of these issues stemmed from the hospital's attempts to balance profitability with patient welfare, particularly in light of the pressures placed upon it by external factors.

The allegations against the hospital extend beyond financial mismanagement. Jędrzejewski criticized Kacprzyk directly, suggesting that his role in the hospital was problematic and potentially unethical. While acknowledging that abuses can occur in any healthcare system, he portrayed Kacprzyk as an extreme case, indicating that the circumstances surrounding his employment were far from typical. The implications of these statements remain unclear, but they contribute to growing skepticism about the integrity of the hospital's operations.

As the investigation continues, several key figures are likely to play significant roles in determining the outcome. Mayor Trzaskowski will need to address the concerns raised by both the public and medical professionals, ensuring transparency in how the hospital is managed moving forward. Meanwhile, the newly formed oversight committee must demonstrate its ability to implement meaningful reforms and hold accountable those found responsible for any wrongdoing. The broader implications of this affair could influence future policies related to healthcare administration and the regulation of medical institutions in Poland. Until further developments emerge, the situation remains fluid, with many unanswered questions about the true extent of the issues plaguing the South Hospital.