An audit by the Supreme Audit Institution has revealed serious deficiencies in the supervision of the operation of the Molecular Imaging and Technology Development Laboratory Ltd. Medical University of Bialystok. Between 2015 and 2022, equipment worth more than PLN 16.5 million and intended for advanced PET/MR studies was mainly used for MRI. PET/MR examinations accounted for only 3.6% of all procedures performed.
Untapped potential of costly diagnostic device
Published Dec. 9, 2024 11:39
fot. Materiał urzędowy Najwyższej Izby Kontroli
Untapped opportunities and unrealistic plans
The Biograph mMR is one of two devices in Poland that allows simultaneous magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) examinations, enabling early detection of cancerous lesions and other metabolic diseases. Nonetheless, the device in Bialystok was mainly used for MR examinations. Between 2015 and 2022, only 1,576 PET/MR examinations were performed, far short of the target of 9,700 such procedures over five years.
The reasons for this are multiple. The high cost of PET/MR (from PLN 3,200 to PLN 12,000) and the lack of reimbursement by the National Health Fund meant that the device was used primarily for commercial purposes. Most of the company's revenue (from 47% to 71% per year) came from contracts with the National Health Fund for MR examinations.
Irregularities and post-inspection conclusions
The NIK has identified a number of irregularities in the management and supervision of the company by the Medical University of Bialystok:
- Management bonuses: Undue bonuses in the amount of PLN 94 thousand were paid.
- Lack of consistent operating rules: The bylaws do not specify prices for medical services or rules for remunerating board members.
- Improper tenders: Four tenders for PET/MR and MR examinations, worth nearly PLN 7 million, were conducted in violation of fair competition rules.
- Lack of documentation oversight: The university did not keep project documents as required by the grant agreements.
In addition, of the patients in one research project, up to 67% were University employees. In another project, 48 patients had the same data as university employees. Although the NIK did not question the medical indications, this situation raises questions about the reliability of recruitment.
As a result of the audit, the NIK formulated post-audit conclusions, including:
- Return of undue salaries of board members,
- Improving the transparency of the company's bidding rules and regulations,
- better supervision of project documentation,
- Appointment of an attorney to oversee the company.
The NIK has also filed a notice with the Public Financial Discipline Ombudsman.
Source: NIK
