A recent investigation by the National Health Fund (NFZ) disclosed alarming results regarding admission practices at the MSWiA hospital in Poland. Patients who contributed donations to a foundation associated with the hospital were granted preferential treatment for surgeries, including those utilizing the advanced da Vinci surgical robot, known for its superior precision and quicker recovery times. The report highlighted that from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025, only 66 out of 2244 admissions to the gastroenterology and transplant surgery department followed proper procedures, with a staggering 97% of cases involving patients receiving treatment out of turn based on their financial contributions.

This lack of adherence to established protocols raises significant concerns about the equity of the healthcare system in Poland. Non-donating patients were reportedly excluded from a transparent and objective process for determining access to medical services, which should be based on medical criteria rather than financial capabilities. The findings point toward a systemic issue in how healthcare resources are allocated and managed, potentially disadvantaging those who cannot afford to donate.

In light of these revelations, the NFZ has imposed a penalty of 507.5 thousand złoty on the state institution, addressing the need for accountability and reform in hospital admission processes. The involvement of the patient rights spokesperson further underscores the gravity of the situation, as they corroborated the existence of irregularities and emphasized the necessity for changes to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all patients, regardless of their financial contributions.