Cabinet Adopts Sweeping Reforms Affecting Healthcare, Motorists, and Insurers

At its latest session, the Council of Ministers approved a package of key changes ranging from health reforms and excise duty hikes to insurance deregulation and judicial overhauls.

End of running to the insurer after ID replacement: The PESEL registry will automatically verify data

One of the newest and most important deregulation measures adopted by the government is a draft amendment to the Population Registration Act. As reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), citing the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, life insurance providers will gain direct access to the PESEL registry to verify the currency of their clients’ identity cards.

Citizens will no longer need to independently report ID card replacements to insurance companies. Insurers will automatically retrieve information regarding the new document’s series, number, and expiration date from the PESEL registry to reduce bureaucracy, streamline payouts, and prevent fraud.

Judicial revolution: Simpler and more understandable instructions in criminal cases

Another key point reported by PAP is the government’s adoption of the draft amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, prepared by the Ministry of Justice. The regulations precisely define the scope of instructions given to defendants, victims, and witnesses during judicial proceedings.

The Minister of Justice will receive statutory authorization to issue ordinances defining uniform, clear, and transparent templates for written instructions regarding rights and obligations. This change guarantees better protection of personal liberties and facilitates participation in court procedures.

Establishment of the Government Plenipotentiary for the Promotion of the Polish Brand

According to the latest PAP dispatches, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft ordinance establishing the Government Plenipotentiary for the Promotion of the Polish Brand. This role will be held by a secretary or undersecretary of state in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

The government aims to build a coherent image strategy for the state both domestically and internationally. The plenipotentiary will develop a comprehensive national brand promotion strategy and create the official “Polish Brand Book” for state institutions.

Healthcare revolution: Rigid rate limits for doctors and e-queues

The government discussed planned public healthcare reforms presented by the Ministry of Health. The draft bill is scheduled to enter parliamentary work at the beginning of September following public consultations.

The proposal introduces a rigid hourly rate limit of 240 PLN gross for doctors and establishes a maximum percentage cap that staff remuneration can constitute of a medical facility’s total budget. E-queues and centralized e-registration were also announced for patients.

Higher excise duty on e-cigarettes and vaping devices

The government continues its work on sealing the tax system and combating nicotine addiction by preparing an excise tax increase. The legislative amendment provides for higher excise rates on electronic cigarette liquids, innovative tobacco products, and vaping devices.

For consumers, this means price increases in stores, while the state budget will secure additional revenues allocated partly to financing healthcare.

Other government rulings: Court experts, sign language interpreters, and water quality

The package of other decisions adopted during the session also included regulations concerning court experts, sign language interpreters, and water quality standards.