Cancer patient told to wait until 2027 for treatment; NFZ president responds to reports

A report by the Polish newspaper "Rzeczpospolita" has brought to light a concerning situation at the Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University in Łódź, where new patients are reportedly being turned away from drug programs, including those for oncology. The newspaper detailed the case of a breast cancer patient who was informed that due to a lack of funding for the drug program, treatment could not begin immediately and was tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, pending changes in financing.

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I want to reassure everyone in Łódź and throughout Poland – access to these services is guaranteed.

Filip Nowak, the president of the National Health Fund (NFZ), addressed these reports on TVP Info, aiming to reassure the public. He stated that the case of the patient from Łódź is under investigation to understand why such information was given. Crucially, Nowak assured that the patient has been secured and will receive immediate medical assistance. He emphasized that access to necessary treatments is guaranteed for all patients across Poland.

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We are clarifying this matter, why the patient received such information. However, the most important thing is that this patient has been secured and will of course receive this help immediately.

Nowak also commented on the complexities of hospital management, distinguishing it from mere administration. He highlighted that effective management requires directing patient flow to ensure those needing urgent medical attention are prioritized. He noted that medical professionals in hospital management boards are tasked with making these critical decisions. When financial resources are limited, hospital directors must weigh the necessity of providing immediate medication against potentially delaying other services, such as diagnostics, without harming the patient.

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Running a hospital is not just administration. It is also – and perhaps primarily – directing the flow of patients so that those who need immediate medical help receive it first.

The Łódź branch of the NFZ confirmed that two patients had inquired about places in drug programs on July 14th and were directed to other hospitals in Łódź. However, the NFZ stated it had not received any official notification from the Central Clinical Hospital about halting patient admissions to these programs. The hospital has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter. The NFZ pointed out that the Central Clinical Hospital is one of several facilities in Łódź, and depending on the specific oncology program, one of many in the region, intended to ensure patients have access to treatment.

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If the payer has limited financial resources, the hospital director considers and decides whether it is more necessary to give the patient a drug. And perhaps certain services – for example, diagnostic ones – can be done a little later, without harm to the patient.