Polish cities report sharp rise in patient complaints against overworked doctors

A recent survey by the National Medical Chamber (Naczelna Izba Lekarska) shows that the number of patient complaints against doctors in Poland has doubled over the past decade. The surge is most pronounced in Gdańsk, Łódź and Płock, where complaints hit record levels, while Częstochowa recorded a decline.

Doctors are reported to work twelve‑plus hours daily, a situation attributed to staff shortages, difficulty arranging replacements and financial pressure on medical facilities. Patients cite lack of due care, diagnostic errors and, increasingly, false claims of specialist qualifications by some physicians from Ukraine and Belarus. The most frequent grievances target internists, psychiatrists and dentists. Approximately 80 % of validated complaints result in sanctions from medical courts.

The trend reflects growing frustration with systemic shortcomings in Poland’s public health system.