Grzegorz Opala of Silesian Academy of Medicine new Minister of Health

Prof. Grzegorz Opala, a neurologist from the SIlesian Academy of Medicine, will be appointed Minister of Health, replacing Franciszka Cegielska, who died several days ago. Opala's appointment came as something of a surprise since his name had not been mentioned in behind-the-scenes talks leading up to the selection. While making the announcement, Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek stressed that Opala is an experienced physician who participated in the health system reform program, and this, said Buzek, could be helpful in his work at the Ministry. However, the reaction of local medical authorities was far from euphoric. Krzysztof Madej, the president of the Supreme Medical Council (NRL), said he was satisfied that yet another member of NRL will have the honor of being Health Minister, but added that he was obliged to admit that NRL had not been consulted about the appointment. (Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 4)