Poland's health ministry pushes salary caps, e‑registration and penalties amid doctor pay controversy
The Ministry of Health, led by Minister Jolanta Sobierańska‑Grenda, confirmed that the proposed hourly wage ceiling of 240 zł for medical staff will be kept and that the government will not retreat from the plan. The reform package also targets “salary chimneys” by limiting doctors’ earnings, requiring at least half‑time employment in one public facility, and restricting contracts through private companies.
A mandatory nationwide e‑registration system for specialist appointments will become operational in 2026, with a central e‑queue to display all available slots and allow patients to choose providers. The rollout has been accelerated, aiming for full coverage by the end of 2027.
To enforce the changes, the National Health Fund (NFZ) announced fines of up to 1 million zł for hospitals that bypass queues or employ illegal hiring practices. Recent audits revealed dozens of violations, including a 1.87 million zł penalty for a hospital in Rzeszów.
Separate scandals have highlighted the broader controversy over doctors’ pay. A hospital in Brzeg demanded 1 500 zł from journalists for salary information, while a Koszalin university hospital disclosed that 17 physicians earned over 2.5 million zł annually, with total doctor salaries reaching 119 million zł.
The combined measures aim to increase transparency, curb excessive remuneration, and improve patient access to care across Poland.