Poland's National Health Fund faces 14 billion zł budget gap amid health‑sector reforms

Poland's National Health Fund (NFZ) is reported to have a budget shortfall of about 14 billion zł. The fund’s president said contracts with providers will continue to be honoured despite the deficit, and that the shortfall does not jeopardise payments for services already rendered.

The health ministry is preparing a package of reforms, including several draft regulations and a law that will make doctors’ earnings more transparent and set limits on remuneration. One proposal sets a gross pay ceiling of 240 zł for certain contractual arrangements, while the government has also discussed a maximum monthly salary of 76 800 zł (16 times the minimum wage). The reforms aim to improve funding allocation, increase control over payments, and address the fragmented ownership of hospitals.

Implementation timelines foresee the legislation being discussed in the Sejm in August, with consultations involving medical professionals and unions, and the new rules expected to take effect gradually from 2026.