Poll: Doctors Earn Too Much. Poles Want to Limit Their Salaries

A significant majority of Poles believe doctors earn excessive salaries and support limiting their pay, according to a recent poll. Over 77% of respondents indicated they are in favor of such restrictions, with 56.3% strongly agreeing. This sentiment cuts across the political spectrum, showing robust support from voters of both the current government coalition and the opposition.

The proposed reform appears politically advantageous for the government, potentially serving to distance itself from recent scandals. Experts suggest that public opinion is strongly against what is perceived as arrogance and selfishness within some medical circles. This perception is further fueled by occasional public outcries over perceived excessive earnings.

Women are notably more decisive in their support for limiting doctors' pay than men. Eighty-five percent of women favor the idea, with 67% strongly agreeing, compared to 69% of men, of whom 45% strongly agree. Men also show a higher rate of opposition, with 26% disagreeing compared to 13% of women.

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The results mean that the proposed reform will likely be politically attractive for the government, at least from a polling perspective and to distance itself from recent scandals.

Support for limiting doctors' salaries is particularly strong outside major urban centers. Eighty-five percent of rural respondents and 79% in towns up to 50,000 inhabitants favor the proposal. In contrast, residents of the largest cities show the most division, with 68% supporting the limits but also the highest proportion of decided opponents at 19%.

The proposal garners high support across all age groups, though intensity varies. Young adults (18-29) and those over 70 are the most enthusiastic supporters, with 79% and 80% backing the idea, respectively. Support remains strong in other age brackets, with the lowest, though still significant, backing at 70% among those aged 30-39.

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Opponents of the proposal are not helped by sporadic voices from medical circles that provoke public outrage due to incredible arrogance and professional egoism.