MARIA reactor produces molybdenum-99 essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Reactor halted since April 1 2025 due to expired PAA license. New license delayed by failure to perform safety zone calculations. No one at NCBJ can execute required safety calculations. Former director Kurek admits chronic underinvestment and reliance on ''somehow it will work''. Suspicions of commercial firms attempting takeover to hike drug prices. Systemic mismanagement and absent long-term strategy caused shutdown. NCBJ director fired as sole scapegoat. Bureaucratic disputes over safety zones block restart. Reactor underfunded for years leading to current crisis. Life-saving radioisotope supply disrupted nationwide. Polish authorities exhibit shocking irresponsibility on critical infrastructure. Competence gaps prevent basic licensing formalities. Potential health impacts from isotope shortages ignored.