Doctor wanted 4,000 zloty for 7 hours of work; his offer caused a storm

A rheumatologist's offer to work for 4,000 Polish zloty gross per day at the Pomorskie Center of Rheumatology, which included seeing a minimum of 21 patients in seven hours, has ignited a public debate. The center rejected the proposal, leading Dr. Bartosz Fiałek to announce he would leave public healthcare to focus on his private practice.

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The center rejected the offer, and the doctor announced his departure from public healthcare.

Fiałek detailed his offer, stating the daily rate equated to approximately 190 zloty gross per patient. He planned to work two days a week, potentially earning 32,000 zloty gross monthly. He noted that the daily rate was fixed, regardless of whether he saw fewer or more than 21 patients.

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The amount of 4,000 PLN gross concerned at least 7 hours of work and seeing a minimum of 21 people, which means that for one visit he would receive 190 PLN gross.

The doctor's proposed salary and subsequent decision to leave public service drew significant public reaction. While some suggested his financial expectations were too high, others debated the fairness of the offer. The discussion extended to medical professionals, with Jakub Kosikowski, spokesperson for the Supreme Medical Chamber, highlighting the national average salary and the need for consistent specialist access, not just limited availability.

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The average national salary is 9,813 zloty, and the median is 7,907 zloty. Patients need constant access to specialists, not just two days a week.