The announcement, made as Poland reported a record number of both new infections and deaths, came after negotiations between the government and private healthcare providers.
Niedzielski said the extra beds constituted “very real support” in the government’s fight against the virus.
Anna Rulkiewicz, deputy head of the Employers of Poland association, said 18 private hospitals across the country would offer a total of 1,046 beds to treat COVID-19 patients.
Poland on Thursday reported a fresh single-day high of 12,107 coronavirus infections and a record 168 new deaths, its worst daily toll since the start of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday that Poland planned to provide at least 15,000 extra hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.
The country has decided to set up a network of temporary hospitals.
Polish MPs were on Thursday debating plans to double basic pay for medics fighting the epidemic.
(pk)
Source: Polish Radio/PAP