Poland's Health Ministry proposes cap on doctors' salaries and work hours
The Ministry of Health has published a draft amendment to the Health Care Services Act that would set strict limits on doctors' earnings and working time. The bill caps hourly remuneration at 240 zł gross (1/20 of the minimum wage) and monthly pay at 76 800 zł gross (16 × minimum wage). It also limits total work time to the equivalent of two full‑time positions (about 300 hours per month) and requires medical staff to hold at least a half‑time contract with a primary NFZ‑contracted facility, whose consent is needed for additional employment.
To enforce the limits, the proposal introduces fines of up to 30 000 zł for hospital directors who allow breaches. Minister Jolanta Sobierańska‑Grenda said, "Proponujemy do 30 tys. zł grzywny, która miałaby ciążyć na pracodawcy, który będzie przekraczał przepisy." The amendment also expands the powers of the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the Agency for Medical Technology Assessment (AOTMiT) and standardises employment contracts. It is part of a broader reform package launched after scandals over excessive doctor overtime and salaries, with public consultations ongoing.