Government Proposals May Force District Hospitals to Close

Proposed government legislation in Poland could inadvertently lead to the closure of district hospitals, according to the Association of Polish Counties (ZPP).

In an open letter, ZPP expressed concern that the government's projects, intended to streamline the system and control costs, may actually further destabilize it and deepen the financial crisis facing these hospitals. The association specifically pointed to a draft law concerning healthcare benefits, arguing that its proposed wage regulations for medical staff could significantly increase operational expenses.

ZPP estimates that these new regulations could push annual salary costs for a single physician towards 1 million Polish zloty. Furthermore, the proposed rules might expose hospitals to legal challenges. The letter highlights a dilemma where a hospital manager could face fines for not hiring a doctor to cover urgent needs, while failing to do so could result in penalties for violating contract terms.

The association also criticized the government for abandoning plans to support hospitals in reducing existing debt and for not offering a clear strategy to manage the financial consequences of the wage increase law. ZPP questions whether the potential downfall of smaller district hospitals is an unintended consequence of poorly designed regulations or a deliberate state strategy, urging the government to reflect on its approach.