Warsaw hospital scandal: whistleblower alleges deaths from malpractice and a political cover-up
A whistleblower has alleged that patients died due to medical errors at Warsaw's Southern Hospital, igniting a political firestorm and urgent investigations that are shaking Poland's health system.
Whistleblower allegations
On 23 June, Dr Emil Jędrzejewski, former head of surgery at Warsaw's Southern Hospital (Szpital Południowy), told Kanał Zero that patients had died on the Emergency Department because procedures were performed by an inexperienced doctor who was "learning". He said that medical errors led to complications that ended fatally.
People are dying there because someone is learning. That is the crux of the matter. As a result of medical error, complications occurred that ended lethally - in death.
Jędrzejewski also alleged that medical records were falsified and that a "conspiracy of silence" protected a system of political connections. He had earlier sent a detailed message to Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski outlining management failures and politicisation.
The doctor at the centre
The SOR was coordinated by Dr Dawid Kacprzyk, a 28-year-old doctor in specialist training and a city council member of the ruling Civic Coalition (KO). He earned 1.6 million zlotys from the hospital in 2025 alone and was dismissed after irregularities first surfaced. Jędrzejewski claimed Kacprzyk felt untouchable due to political backing, reportedly mentioning Mayor Trzaskowski and his deputy Renata Kaznowska.
Medical chamber response
The Polish Medical Chamber (NIL) reacted swiftly. President Łukasz Jankowski told a press conference he was "devastated" by the allegations, which he called a "multi-level pathology".
I am truly devastated. I have no reason to doubt Dr Jędrzejewski. The information I have shows at least some of his allegations are confirmed by other doctors working in the hospital.
NIL filed a motion to suspend Kacprzyk's medical license pending the investigation. Jankowski warned that patients may now fear similar pathologies pervade the system and promised reform proposals. Meanwhile, TV Republika published documents relating to two deaths: a 67-year-old who died after intubation and a 69-year-old found in a toilet.
Political and legal reactions
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said he would request the Prosecutor General to investigate urgently. By morning, Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek confirmed that Jędrzejewski would be questioned later on 24 June and evidence secured.
The matter is too serious. All cases involving deaths at this hospital that reached the prosecutor's office will be reviewed again.
Opposition leader Jarosław Kaczyński denounced the affair as "pathology" and called for an independent Public Trust Commission to investigate.
The timeline of key events has unfolded rapidly.
- Dr Emil Jędrzejewski gives television interview alleging patient deaths and medical record falsification.
- NIL President Łukasz Jankowski says chamber is 'devastated' and files motion to suspend Dr Dawid Kacprzyk's license.
- TV Republika publishes documents on two patient deaths at the hospital.
- Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announces request to Prosecutor General for investigation.
- Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek confirms Jędrzejewski will be questioned today and evidence will be secured.
- Opposition leader Jarosław Kaczyński calls for an independent Public Trust Commission.
