Hospital Suspends Drug Programs: Oncology Patients Face 2027 Wait Times

One of the largest hospitals in the Łódź province has stopped enrolling new patients in NFZ drug programs, with some oncology patients told they must wait until 2027 for treatment.

Drug Program Admissions Halted in Łódź

The Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Łódź has ceased admitting new patients to certain drug programs, including oncology. Reports confirm that at least one patient was denied the start of therapy due to financial constraints, with an estimated treatment date pushed to the first quarter of 2027.

The Łódź branch of the National Health Fund (NFZ) confirmed it has received inquiries from patients seeking alternative facilities. While the Fund redirected patients to other hospitals, it noted that it had not received formal notification from the Łódź facility regarding the suspension of admissions. The hospital has not yet issued an official statement.

Funding Shortfalls and Financial Strain

Experts point out that this is a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. Drug programs are funded through NFZ contracts; when patient numbers exceed planned expenditures, hospitals perform services beyond their limits. These so-called “excess services” are not always settled immediately.

Former Deputy Minister of Health Maciej Miłkowski stated that the Fund cannot incur liabilities exceeding its financial plan. Meanwhile, Dr. Adam Miller of the District Medical Council in Łódź noted that hospitals frequently finance treatments with their own resources while awaiting reimbursement, creating significant financial instability.

Systemic Risks to Patient Access

Similar difficulties are being reported in other regions, including Kraków, where concerns over funding and rising excess services are mounting. Physicians emphasize that drug programs involve more than just the cost of medication; hospitals must also cover diagnostics, laboratory tests, staff care, and hospitalization, which becomes a severe burden when reimbursements are delayed.

Patient Options and NFZ Response

Denial of treatment at one facility does not strip a patient of their right to therapy. The NFZ reminds patients that other hospitals also conduct drug programs and recommends seeking qualification elsewhere. The national NFZ headquarters has announced plans to release funds this week to settle excess services, which may determine how quickly new admissions can resume.