NFZ introduces healthcare reforms in Poland

The National Health Fund (NFZ) is implementing several structural changes to the Polish healthcare system. Starting October 1, 2026, primary care clinics (POZ) may face new financing rules where funding depends not only on patient numbers but also on performance indicators, such as preventive screening rates and the ratio of home visits to teleconsultations.

In the hospital sector, the NFZ is introducing central monitoring for 15 specific surgical procedures, including coronary angiography and hernia repairs. This will be managed through the AP KOLCE application, which will also enable the fund to send SMS reminders to patients about their scheduled procedure dates to reduce missed appointments.

Significant changes are also coming to sanatorium care. From October 1, 2026, patient co-payments for accommodation and meals will decrease for the autumn-winter season. Looking further ahead to 2027, the NFZ plans to individualize sanatorium treatments based on specific diagnoses and age rather than applying uniform treatment sets. Additionally, the fund aims to save 118 million PLN by removing a 5% corrective coefficient in sanatorium financing, a move the industry warns could reduce investment in equipment and staff.

Finally, new standards for hospital nutrition will take full effect on September 1, requiring dietitians to design balanced, 10-day menus and mandating regular quality controls and laboratory testing of meals.