NIK discovers gifts of medical equipment to hospitals come with a high price

The Supreme Board of Inspection (NIK) has revealed irregularities in the purchase of medical equipment by hospitals. An existing practice is for companies to make a gift of medical equipment, but hospitals are then obliged to purchase all necessary supplies from the company making the gift.The price of supplies provided by these companies are usually several times higher than the rest of the market. One hospital was paying 792% more than it should. NIK is also concerned that in some cases gifts were made only on paper, as companies sought to reduce taxes owed. NIK has informed the Prosecutor's Office of its findings. (Rzeczpospolita July 29-30, page A1) A.D.