In a recent briefing, officials stated that at the government’s request, every medical item entering the warehouses underwent additional scrutiny by the Central Institute of Labor Protection. This extra check, while not strictly required by policy, aimed to quell emerging concerns and ensure the safety of medical professionals, a point reiterated by the government spokesman in response to reporting from Gazeta Wyborcza.
During an interview with a TVN journalist, Minister Piotr Cieszyński said he had never been employed by Lotos and did not have knowledge of its specific transactions. He reaffirmed that the enhanced screening of medical supplies was driven by questions about quality and safety and was intended to guarantee that the equipment met acceptable health-service standards.
Amid discussions about the so-called election-related allegations, government spokesman Piotr Müller commented on the ongoing process to finalize payments for certain goods ordered during the Covid-19 pandemic across several companies and state agencies. Gazeta Wyborcza had reported that Lotos supplied hospitals with visors and coveralls that allegedly failed to meet safety standards in substantial quantities.
The newspaper asserted that documents indicated Lotos asked contractors to replace defective goods or, if replacements could not be arranged, to issue refunds for deliveries valued at nearly 20 million PLN, with additional shipments claimed as part of the broader controversy. Müller was questioned about these claims at a press briefing and provided clarification on the nature of the deals involved.
According to Müller, the relevant transactions occurred between Lotos and the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves, with certification and verification processes managed through that agency as well as directly between suppliers and the entities placing orders. He noted that during the Covid-19 emergency, state institutions and state-owned companies prioritized equipping Poland with as much protective gear as possible, acknowledging the global shortages and high costs at the time.
Looking back at the period, Müller emphasized the unprecedented demand for protective equipment worldwide and the intense pressure placed on suppliers and public health services both abroad and domestically. The government continues to review and verify the integrity of the supply chain while concentrating on patient and professional safety across the health system.
Readers were directed to additional coverage that examined the accuracy of government statements regarding the supply of protective equipment, and to official statements clarifying the status of ongoing investigations and payments. The reporting center in Warsaw underscored that the objective remains transparent communication about government decisions and the handling of PPE contracts during the pandemic. [Cite: Gazeta Wyborcza] [Cite: TVN interview transcript] [Cite: Government press briefing] [Cite: Central Institute of Labor Protection] [Cite: Government Agency of Strategic Reserves]