Poland Sejm passes healthcare reform package

The Polish Sejm has passed a significant package of healthcare legislation aimed at restructuring medical personnel compensation, hospital management, and specialized patient care.

A central component of the reform introduces strict limits on medical staff earnings and working hours. The new regulations set a maximum hourly rate of approximately 240 PLN gross, tied to the minimum wage, and impose a monthly work limit of 320 hours. Additionally, medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics are now required to be employed by a primary employer for at least half a full-time position; any additional work at other facilities requires written consent from their current director.

The legislation also establishes a legal framework for Expert Centers for Rare Diseases (OECR) to improve diagnostics and treatment access. Furthermore, the Sejm decided to maintain the current hospital network system (PSZ) until June 2029. Other measures include new regulations for financing HIV and HCV treatments, increased transparency in health service tenders, and rules regarding pharmacy advertising.