Poland's National Health Fund to curb itinerant surgeons and increase surgery funding

The Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) is preparing a regulation to eliminate the practice of "traveling doctors" – specialists who perform operations in hospitals only briefly and do not provide postoperative care. NFZ President Filip Nowak said the draft aims to ensure patient safety and continuity of treatment, requiring surgeries to be performed in dedicated surgical departments and promoting at‑least half‑time specialist staffing. The plan also includes a 40% increase in funding for general surgery, such as bilateral inguinal hernia repair.

Separately, experts stress that successful recovery after hip or knee endoprosthesis depends on comprehensive rehabilitation. Structured physiotherapy, whether in‑clinic or at home, helps restore strength, mobility and confidence. Home‑based programs offered by providers like Medi Home Care support patients who have limited mobility or high fall risk, guiding them through safe daily activities and progressive exercise routines.