Poland's proposed 'Lex Szarlatan' law targets natural medicine sector

Poland's Ministry of Health is drafting a bill informally called “Lex Szarlatan,” which would broaden the definition of “pseudomedical practices” to include herbalists, homeopaths, acupuncturists, dietitians, massage therapists and even authors of online health advice. The proposal foresees high penalties – up to 1 million zł for breaches and up to 100 000 zł for non‑cooperation with the Patient Rights Ombudsman – and would require any health‑service provider to be entered in a state register.

Opposition politician Krzysztof Bosak, deputy Marshal of the Sejm and leader of the Confederation party, warned that the bill could effectively eliminate the entire natural and alternative medicine sector. He criticised the measure as a “Lex Big Pharma” move that would curb competition and limit patient choice, citing the COVID‑19 pandemic as an example of the dangers of a single‑track medical approach.

The bill is currently under discussion in the Sejm, with a special sub‑committee examining amendments to the Patients' Rights Act and the Ombudsman’s mandate. Over 5,000 comments have been submitted by professional bodies, trade associations and consumer groups, reflecting broad concern about the bill’s scope and enforcement mechanisms.