Poland’s healthcare system is facing a critical financial juncture, prompting a proposed injection of 7.6 billion zlotys to avert potential disruptions to patient care. The funds, slated to be transferred from the Medical fund to the National Health Fund (NFZ), come as hospitals across the country grapple wiht increasing financial strain and are already reporting postponements of non-urgent procedures. With a final decision from President Karol Nawrocki expected imminently, the move underscores the urgent need to stabilize a system vital to the nation’s well-being.
Poland’s President is expected to approve a plan to inject billions of zlotys into the country’s struggling healthcare system, averting potential disruptions to medical procedures. The move comes as hospitals grapple with increasing financial strain and the need to postpone non-urgent care.
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The government proposal would transfer 3.6 billion zlotys from the Medical Fund to the National Health Fund (NFZ) and alter the annual contribution paid by the Ministry of Health to the Medical Fund, amounting to approximately 4 billion zlotys.
Combined, the 7.6 billion zlotys would effectively cover the NFZ’s budget for the current year. The plan was fast-tracked through parliament due to the increasingly difficult situation facing the NFZ, which has begun to impact hospitals and lead to the cancellation of scheduled procedures, as reported by Polish media in recent weeks.
According to sources, the President is expected to approve the measure, with an official announcement scheduled for December 5. The changes would take effect on December 15.
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The Sejm Health Committee declined to consider the government’s urgent proposal alongside President Nawrocki’s separate plan for changes to the Medical Fund law.
President Nawrocki’s proposal, submitted to the Sejm, would increase the limit on funds transferable from the Medical Fund to the NFZ in 2025 to over 3.5 billion zlotys.
It also proposes the creation of two new subfunds: one for infrastructure security and rare childhood diseases, and another to establish a Patient Service Center.
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka addressed the situation, stating, “There are funds in the Medical Fund that are generally used for infrastructure and investment purposes, but we now primarily need to maintain continuity in medical procedures, which is why this law is so important.”
Despite strong criticism from the President’s office regarding the government’s handling of the healthcare system, Karol Nawrocki is expected to support the NFZ funding, even while voicing reservations about the government’s proposed solutions.
Zbigniew Bogucki, the President’s chief of staff, commented on the matter. “I just spoke with President Karol Nawrocki about the Medical Fund, but the decision rests with the head of state,” he said on Radio Zet.
He added that “these 3.6 billion zlotys, which the President initiated, are a decision by the President within the legislative initiative to help patients. Simply to help patients, those most vulnerable, for whom the government has no money, no way to pay for procedures.”
Minister Bogucki added that “the President will always stand on the side of patients.”
Marta Golbik (KO), chairwoman of the Sejm Health Committee, recently discussed the government and presidential proposals. “The government has the ability to submit projects in an urgent manner, the President does not have that ability. And this law is urgent. According to what has been imposed on us, we are considering the government project urgently. There is no possibility of simultaneously considering the President’s project, which is being processed in a different manner. At a later time, we will be able to process the President’s project. This is a matter of regulations, not good or bad will,” she explained.
Michał Wróblewski, journalist for Wirtualna Polska
