We publish the full statement below:
On 29/12/2023, I was dismissed from my position as Chairman of the Medical Research Agency by Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna. Despite serious legal doubts about the compliance of this decision with the Law on the Medical Research Agency, I decided to refrain from commenting on it. However, I cannot leave unaddressed the information made public by the Ministry of Health on 04.01.2024 regarding the filing of a notice of suspicion of a crime with the public prosecutor's office in connection with my election as ABM president on June 12, 2021.
These reports, left unsaid, damage my good name and undermine the competence of the officials and experts who comprised the committee that selected the ABM president. These are experts, scientists and experienced officials of the Ministry of Health, members of the civil service, who have worked for this institution for many years regardless of political sympathies. These people, about whose competence no one formulates any accusations, with their authority confirmed my fulfillment of the statutory requirements, including those regarding the required experience.
In connection with false media reports regarding the circumstances of the competition for ABM president, in October 2023, I provided the Ministry of Health with a detailed written explanation regarding the questionable issue concerning my experience. I firmly state that I met all the criteria required by the competition, including the statutory requirement to have three years of experience in human resources management. This was also confirmed by the selection committee in making its choice. I am able to demonstrate and document this at any time, including before the Court. Minister Izabela Leszczyna also had access to the full documentation in this case. The Medical Research Agency is an exceptional institution, supporting patients, cooperating with their organizations, and positively influencing the development of the clinical research sector in Poland.
From the beginning, I was responsible for the construction and proper functioning of the ABM, exercising all due diligence and ensuring the proper implementation of the agency's statutory duties. Regardless of who will lead this institution - I appeal that these activities should not be abandoned, because they realistically translate into the welfare of patients. These are values that cannot be overestimated. When formulating assessments, I ask you to rely only on facts and official documents, not on opinions or undocumented rumors.
The truth is unequivocal, and of this I have not the slightest doubt. In the name of this truth, this statement has been written, important not only in the context of protecting my good name, but also that of the many dedicated employees of the Ministry of Health, the Medical Research Agency, experts and scientists - who deserve respect and fair treatment.
