Poland's Prime Minister Tusk pledges crackdown on NFZ doctor overpayments

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of a forthcoming “very serious” discussion with the leadership of the National Health Fund (NFZ) after reports that doctors are exploiting loopholes to obtain excessive payments for on‑call duties. He cited audit findings showing extraordinary cases such as a regional ambulance station logging 488 on‑call hours in a single month and a doctor working 120 continuous shifts, raising concerns about patient safety and the strain on the NFZ budget.

A hospital director in Tarnów echoed the urgency, calling for a halt to rising medical salaries and a comprehensive review of doctors’ contracts and reimbursement rates. He urged greater transparency, public disclosure of salaries and contracts, and even legislation to curb what he described as a “medical mafia” draining public funds.

Both officials highlighted the need for swift action to restore fiscal discipline and protect the integrity of Poland’s health system.