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Polish Councilor Suspended Amidst Hospital Investigation and Allegations of financial Irregularities
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A councilor in Kalisz, Poland, has been suspended from his political club as authorities investigate potential financial misconduct during his tenure as head of the Provincial Hospital. The move, initiated by the KO (Civic Coalition) club, comes amid a widening probe into alleged fraud, property damage, and abuse of power.
Magdalena Sekura-Nowicka, chairwoman of the KO club, stated that the decision stemmed from the councilor’s prolonged absence from committee meetings and overall unavailability. While remaining a councilor, he is barred from participating in club activities, voting, or publicly representing the group. Importantly, the club has indicated it will not enforce voting discipline on him during this period.
The timing of the suspension has drawn criticism from Kalisz Mayor Krystian Kinastowski, who suggested it was a politically motivated attempt by the KO to distance itself from the councilor. “They will want to get rid of councilor Kołaciński from their ranks,” Kinastowski said. “It’s weighing on them now, they’ll want to clear their ranks for the next parliamentary elections.” the head of the KO club has stated she is not pursuing any action regarding the councilor’s resignation. The suspension will remain in effect until the councilor’s health improves and questions surrounding his public functions are resolved.
Prosecutor’s Office investigates Allegations at Provincial Hospital
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Ostrów Wielkopolski is currently conducting a complex investigation into the councilor’s actions while leading the Provincial Hospital in Kalisz. According to a statement from prosecutor’s office spokesman Maciej Meler, the investigation encompasses a range of serious offenses, including causing important property damage, exceeding authority, failing to fulfill official duties, acting against the public interest, fraud, and intellectual forgery. These crimes carry a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison.
The investigation was triggered by reports from whistleblowers within the Marshal’s office and the Regional Inspection Office (RIO) in Poznań. Investigators are scrutinizing several key areas, including the construction of a renewable energy installation on hospital grounds and the process for securing subsidies from the marshal’s office.
Millions in Question: financial Irregularities Uncovered
Preliminary findings suggest the property damage exceeds PLN 1 million (approximately $250,000 USD). The probe has uncovered a series of concerning practices, including:
- medicines purchased without competitive tenders, totaling approximately PLN 14 million (approximately $3.5 million USD).
- Allegations of fictitious employment of a doctor.
- False facts in documentation used to justify remuneration payments.
- A lack of adequate oversight of the hospital pharmacy.
The National Health Fund has already imposed contractual penalties of nearly PLN 347,000 (approximately $87,000 USD) and is demanding a refund of PLN 720,000 (approximately $180,000 USD).
Moreover, the investigation is examining a delayed photovoltaic farm project, costing approximately PLN 8 million (approximately $2 million USD). Despite full payment to the contractor, the investment was not operational until June 2025.
The councilor in question has not responded to inquiries and has remained silent during council sessions. Wojciech Michalik assumed the position of hospital director on July 1st. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been
