Hospitals still have no clear picture of how they will finance treatment in 2003

Hospitals and clinics will have to tighten their belts, as next year they will receive less subsidies to treat patients. When the Sejm decided to increase health insurance from 7.75% to 8%, many hoped that the additional revenues will be earmarked for the health service. However, what health funds are offering hospitals for 2003 is 10-15% less than in 2002. In the best cases, the value of new contracts is comparable with the ones signed this year. Despite the fact that the end of the year is getting close it is still unknown how much money will actually be designated for the state-run health system. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1) A.Z.