Poland proposes limits on doctors' working hours and pay

Poland's Ministry of Health is introducing new regulations aimed at standardizing the working hours and compensation of medical staff, with a primary focus on enhancing patient safety. The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns about healthcare professionals working excessive hours across multiple facilities without adequate rest.

Maciej Karaszewski, director of the Ministry's Department of Healthcare, stated that the goal is to ensure patients are treated by well-rested personnel. He acknowledged situations where doctors and other medical staff work numerous hours, moving between different institutions without sufficient downtime. The new rules will apply to all healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and rehabilitation specialists.

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The patient is safer if treated by staff who are not overtired. We know that there are situations where the number of working hours is very, very high. Doctors, but not only them, move between different facilities, from duty to duty, without any rest.

A key element of the proposed changes is a monthly work limit equivalent to two full-time positions, approximately 320 hours. This limit will apply even to individuals working in both public and private sectors. However, the regulations will not affect those working exclusively in the private sector. For hospital-based care, a minimum commitment of half a full-time position is required, ensuring at least two and a half days of availability at a given facility. Exceptions to these rules, such as for staffing shortages or essential duty coverage, may be permitted with approval from the National Health Fund president for a maximum of six months.

Furthermore, the legislation proposes a maximum hourly rate of 240 PLN gross and a monthly salary cap equivalent to 12 times the minimum wage, roughly 58,000 PLN. The Ministry emphasizes that the system will allow for additional compensation for individuals performing special functions or tasks beyond their standard duties, recognizing those who require particular appreciation.

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The minimum working time for a doctor in one facility will be half a full-time position, so that the doctor is available at a given place for at least two and a half days.