Polish public doctors to face salary caps as public backs limits

A recent IBRiS poll commissioned by "Rzeczpospolita" shows that 77.4% of Poles support introducing maximum earnings for doctors employed in the public health system. Support is strong across political affiliations, with 82% of coalition voters and 73% of opposition voters in favour, and is especially high in rural areas (85%).

The Ministry of Health has proposed a ceiling of 240 zł (about €55) per hour, which would limit a full‑time doctor's monthly salary to roughly 38‑40 thousand zł. The reform package also includes mandatory reporting of doctors' working hours to the National Health Fund, restrictions on holding multiple contracts without hospital director approval, and a ban on hospitals contracting with physician groups.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has asked the ministry to present the first regulations by September. Experts note that limiting multi‑job arrangements could improve continuity of care, but warn that the reforms must also address staffing shortages and the current payment system incentivises high‑priced procedures rather than patient outcomes.