Poland's doctors to cooperate with government, no 'war' expected

Poland's medical community will not engage in a "war" with the government, according to Łukasz Jankowski, president of the National Chamber of Physicians (NRL). He cited a mutual willingness to cooperate and acknowledged the health minister's commitment to avoid blaming the entire profession for the actions of a few.

“

There will be no skirmish. We see a willingness for agreement from both sides, we see the minister's announcements that the entire professional group should not be blamed for the black sheep, we see Prime Minister Donald Tusk saying: 'You won't convince me to hate doctors.' I think emotions need to subside.

Jankowski emphasized that doctors are focused on patient care and will not abandon their duties for protests. However, he stressed that the medical community expects any reforms to be substantial and beneficial for patients and the entire healthcare system, not merely superficial "cosmetic changes" to an already struggling system. He likened the current approach to patching a sinking ship, urging for a large-scale, long-term reform plan that transcends political cycles.

"We will be ready to sit at the table, which is why there will be no war, there will be cooperation," Jankowski stated. He warned that without a cross-party agreement and a 10-year reform plan, current "firefighting" ideas will fail. He also expressed concern that as elections approach, the government might scapegoat doctors if financial issues arise in the autumn.

“

We will be ready to sit at the table, which is why there will be no war, there will be cooperation.

The NRL president also addressed claims that doctors have misused funds. He pointed out that 81% of hospital budgets are allocated to salaries for all medical personnel, not just physicians. While doctors will not strike, they will professionally present the dangers of the government's proposed "firefighting" measures, as a comprehensive reform appears unlikely in the immediate future.

“

We are treating patients, we are by the bedside of the sick. It is hard to imagine us going out on protest marches today or threatening to leave patients' beds. That will not happen, but we will substantively show the threats associated with firefighting, which the government is proposing to us, because there is no talk of a comprehensive reform yet.