Doctors Up in Arms Over New Pay Tracking Laws

The Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists is threatening to take the government to European courts if the President signs a new law mandating the collection of sensitive salary data.

Government Surveillance of Medical Salaries

Łukasz Jankowski, head of the Supreme Medical Chamber, is challenging a new law that enables the state to collect precise information on medical professionals’ earnings. He has warned that if President Karol Nawrocki signs the bill, the medical community will seek intervention from European tribunals.

The legislation allows the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System to monitor the combined income of medical personnel working across multiple facilities. This data will be linked directly to individual PESEL numbers or medical license identification.

Privacy Risks and Political Fears

Doctors fear that the promise of transparency is a facade for gathering sensitive personal information. Jankowski expressed concern that the health minister could exploit these broad powers for political ends, citing the previous scandal where a former minister leaked a physician’s private data.

While the medical community is willing to assist with safe data collection, they remain opposed to the current framework. Jankowski is calling for a direct dialogue with Prime Minister Donald Tusk to address these severe privacy concerns.

Staffing and Working Hour Regulations

The Supreme Medical Chamber continues to advocate for a maximum 78-hour work week for doctors on contracts, aligning them with the limits currently placed on salaried staff. Jankowski emphasized that such changes must be implemented gradually to prevent critical staffing shortages in hospitals.