Polish lawmaker Marcelina Zawisza tells Polsat News that a 23‑billion‑PLN shortfall is projected for next year’s health budget, and that a previous offer for a health minister position was abandoned.
Projected 23 billion‑PLN Deficit for NFZ
According to Zawisza, the budget adopted by the Sejm on Friday shows that the National Health Fund (NFZ) will need an additional 23 billion PLN next year. This shortfall exceeds the current year’s deficit and threatens ongoing health service provision.
Hospitals Scaling Back Services
Hospital administrators have discontinued routine admissions, and elective surgeries and diagnostic procedures are being postponed to the next calendar year. Zawisza warned that this could shift patient care from September to October, extending recovery times.
Political Standoff Over Health Budget
The lawmaker accused Minister Wojciech Domański of knowing the impending crisis for at least two years. She said that Razem rejected joining Donald Tusk’s government because Domański refused to raise health spending, and that an offer for her to become health minister was dropped.
Presidential and Prime‑Ministerial Summits
President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened separate medical summits this week. The meetings were aimed at addressing the crisis, with Duda announcing the signing of Act on the Medical Fund and Tusk stating no increase in health insurance contributions.
