Poland addresses healthcare funding gaps and salary reforms

Poland is facing significant challenges in healthcare financing and organization. A CBOS poll indicates that 61% of citizens believe the priority should be improving the organization and spending efficiency of the healthcare system, while 30% suggest both better organization and increased funding.

In response to systemic issues, the government has adopted a package of legislative projects aimed at reform. These include introducing salary caps for medical professionals in the public system to prevent the exploitation of the National Health Fund (NFZ). Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that while doctors should be well-paid, the new regulations will set a maximum gross monthly salary of over 70,000 PLN for those working multiple roles in the public system.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health is addressing a critical funding gap for pediatric care. The Medical Fund's annual limit of 840 million PLN has already been exhausted, with pediatric over-limit services reaching 1.4 billion PLN in the first half of the year alone. Projections suggest a potential shortfall of 3.6 billion PLN for the year. The Ministry has requested a legislative amendment to increase the Medical Fund's limits to cover these costs.