Poland’s NFZ slashes funding for high‑cost diagnostic tests, sending waiting lists soaring

Polish patient groups report a sharp rise in waiting times for key diagnostic procedures after the National Health Fund (NFZ) reduced financing for high‑cost tests. The Alivia Foundation notes MRI waiting periods grew from 85 days in March to 105 days in April, while colonoscopy queues stretched from 407 to 450 days. Patients are increasingly forced to seek private care or travel long distances.

A new NFZ decree lowered reimbursement rates for tests performed beyond contract limits: MRI and CT scans now receive only 50 % of their listed value, and gastroscopy and colonoscopy 60 %. The rules exempt children, oncology patients on the DiLO fast‑track, and participants in colorectal cancer screening, but aim to save about 625 million PLN in 2026. Hospitals, which previously relied on imaging revenue to subsidise less profitable departments, claim the cuts threaten their financial stability and have reduced the utilisation of expensive equipment to as low as 20 % of capacity.

Medical officials warn that the reduced funding creates systemic bottlenecks, limiting access to timely diagnosis for serious conditions such as cancer and jeopardising treatment outcomes.