Polish county hospitals grapple with costly doctor contracts and obstetrics staffing shortfalls

The County Hospital in Wadowice disclosed that in 2025 it allocated 43.3 million zł to civil‑law (B2B) contracts for just 89 doctors, with individual contracts exceeding 1.34 million zł annually. Board member Sebastian Mlak blamed the broader health‑care financing model for forcing hospitals to compete with high salaries, warning that such spending reduces funds for patient care, equipment and medicines and called for systemic reforms at the national level.

In Wodzisław Śląski, the county hospital’s obstetrics ward faces a possible temporary suspension after a formal request was sent to the voivode. The department lacks enough staff to cover roughly 60 shifts, prompting an open recruitment drive. Hospital officials say the ward remains operational and patient safety is being ensured, but the suspension request will be withdrawn once the required personnel are hired.