Polish doctors’ clash with Health Minister continues
20:15
Nearly 15 percent of primary care doctors still have not signed new contracts with National Health Fund (NFZ) and 21 percent of clinics remained closed on Monday, according to Health Minister Bartłomiej Arłukowicz. The situation is worst in Lubuskie, Podkarpackie and Opolskie voivodship, where over 50 percent of clinics are closed.
Doctors from the Zielonogórskie Agreement (Porozumienie Zielonogórskie - PZ) trade union refuses to sign new contract as the ministry implemented “oncology package” this year, requiring them to diagnose and fast-track patients with cancer. PZ argues that primary care doctors would not have enough time to treat other patients and demanded additional PLN 2 billion to cover the costs, while ministry has earmarked only PLN 1.1 billion.
Health Minister said that there will be no furthed negotiations as long as the PZ “keeps blackmailing patients”. In return, the union is threatening to go for a nationwide strike to have the plan reversed.
