Poland’s Ombudsman for Citizen’s Rights, is threatening to sue Health Minister Ewa Kopacz (right) for not providing anti-swine flu vaccines.
Janusz Kochanowski announced that he is giving Minister Kopacz until Monday to make a decision to purchasing the anti-flu vaccine.
“The joke’s over,” said Kochanowski.
In the Ombudsman’s opinion, postponing the purchase of the anti-flu jab constitutes a serious health risk to society, especially children, pregnant women and health care workers.
The Health Ministry has expressed surprise at the Ombudsman’s criticism but does not intend to act hastily. “We need to make sure that the vaccine is safe,” says Jakub Szulc, deputy Health Minister.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that his government won't buy vaccines for swine flu that have not been adequately tested or from producers who won't take responsibility for possible side effects.
Concern about the swine flu virus has increased in Poland since an epidemic of a flu-like illness has taken hold in western Ukraine.
More than 220 cases of swine flu have been detected so far in Poland. (mg/pg)