Tusk Calls Out NFZ Chief Over Shocking Hospital Work Hours

Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Health Minister Jolanta Sobieranska-Grenda and NFZ President Filip Nowak on Tuesday to address damning NIK audit findings revealing medical staff working up to 488 hours monthly.

A Damning Audit Report

Prime Minister Tusk initiated the meeting following a Supreme Audit Office (NIK) report that uncovered extreme labor conditions, including medical staff working 120 hours without a break or 488 hours per month. The Prime Minister signaled he expects immediate corrective action.

While acknowledging that the National Health Fund (NFZ) is primarily responsible for funding healthcare facilities, Tusk emphasized the agency’s duty to effectively control and enforce legal employment standards within the sector.

NFZ Leadership Under Scrutiny

Filip Nowak has led the National Health Fund since 2020, first as acting head and later confirmed as president in 2021. Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka confirmed that Tuesday’s discussions included the financing of the NFZ, though he declined to comment on the specific progress of the talks.

The Legal Framework for Dismissal

Under current legislation, the Health Minister appoints the NFZ president following an open competition. While standard removals require an opinion from the Fund’s Council, the Minister may dismiss the president immediately and without consultation in cases of gross negligence, appointing an interim deputy to manage the institution.