Labour Fund to resolve zł.4 billion health care shortfall

The funds will be sourced from the Labour Fund, which is mainly used to fight the unemployment. "The decision has already been made and next year half of the revenues of the Fund will be spent on the health sector," said Religa. He added that the premium on health will be increased by 1% per annum as of 2009 until it reaches 13%. According to the minister, the increase will enable spending on the health sector to be boosted from 4.24% to 6% of the GDP by 2010. "I am not yet ready to approve the increase of the health premium," said Finance Minister Zyta Gilowska. Polish Confederation of Private Employers Lewiatan (PKPP) called the idea absurd, as by taking away the funds for fighting unemployment one will be short of funds for activities aiming at helping the jobless. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 1) M.M.