Former Health Minister Adam Niedzielski faced accusations of overstepping his authority after sharing information about medications used by a physician. He posted details on social media that referenced a television report about difficulties patients faced when filling prescriptions. In response to a media inquiry, Niedzielski stated, “I do not comment on reports. I am patiently waiting for the case to be resolved in court.”
Accusation of abuse of power
The core issue concerns an abuse of power by a health official, specifically the Minister of Health, through the unlawful processing of personal health data belonging to an identified individual. The information was published through mass media in an online post, allegedly harming the private interests of the doctor involved.
– said the spokesperson for the Warsaw Public Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor Szymon Banna.
The spokesperson noted that the suspect has not admitted guilt and has declined to provide an explanation.
The investigation is ongoing. One person remains a suspect in this case.
– added. The act carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years.
The case has drawn attention from multiple bodies, including the High Medical Chamber.
READ ALSO: The President of the National Health Regulatory Board informed the Public Prosecution Service, the Office for the Protection of Personal Data, the Patient Ombudsman, and the Commissioner for Human Rights about Niedzielski’s submission regarding a Poznań doctor
“I wait patiently”
I do not comment on any reports. I will wait patiently until the case ends in court
– stated Adam Niedzielski in response to media inquiries, noting his decision to publish his name and image.
Submissions and resignation of the minister
In August of the previous year, the former Health Minister posted two messages on the X platform, then known as Twitter.
“Lies at Fakty TVN. In yesterday’s edition we heard that patients after orthopedic surgery in Poznań did not receive prescribed painkillers for the past two days. We checked Poznań. And what happened? Patients after orthopedic surgery did receive prescriptions for the indicated medications.”
– wrote the former minister in the first post.
In the second post, referring to material broadcast on Fakty TVN, he provided personal data about a doctor from a city hospital in Poznań:
“(…) We checked it. Yesterday the doctor prescribed a prescription for a psychotropic and a painkiller. These are the FACTS. What lies await us today?”
A few days later, the minister resigned.
READ ALSO:
— Niedzielski says: “I do not regret it.” How do you explain the controversial entry? “I had to make difficult decisions”
— Commentary from others on the resignation of the head of the Ministry of Health
— Social media reaction to Niedzielski’s resignation and the subsequent appointment of a new health minister
— It was announced that Katarzyna Sójka would take over the role of health minister
olnk/PAP/RMF FM