Corruption Threats Lurk in Poland’s Defence and Healthcare Sectors
A recent analysis has identified potential corruption threats in two critical sectors of the Polish economy: defence and healthcare. The study reveals that these industries are vulnerable to corruption due to a combination of factors, including limited access to information, lack of transparency, and inadequate regulations.
Defence Sector: Vulnerabilities Exposed
In the defence sector, the threat of corruption is particularly high during the early stages of identifying needs and defining requirements for weapon acquisitions. This can lead to favouritism towards certain contractors, reducing the chances of effective procurement and potentially resulting in irregularities.
- Limiting access to information about current investigations
- Protection of tender documentation under classified information regulations
These factors may further exacerbate corruption risks, which could result in contracts being awarded without transparency and potentially outside the scope of public procurement laws.
Healthcare Sector: Corruption Threats Abound
In Poland’s healthcare sector, difficulties in financing medical services have created an environment conducive to corruption. The study highlights several areas where corruption threats are particularly high:
- Distribution of public funds by voivodeship divisions of the National Health Fund (NFZ) for contracting medical services and reimbursement of medicines
- Implementation of public procurements for the purchase and delivery of medical equipment
- Medicine registration process, including illegal influence on legislative processes and obtaining specific medical indications
Corruption can also occur at the interface between doctors, pharmacists, and wholesalers, potentially leading to the export of medicines from Poland to third countries without proper authorization.
Recommendations: Strengthening Regulations and Oversight Mechanisms
To address these threats, experts recommend implementing appropriate protective measures to identify potential risks and shield planning, preparation, and implementation of procurements in both sectors. Additionally, strengthening regulations and oversight mechanisms can help prevent corruption and ensure transparency in public procurement processes.
The full report is available upon request.