Preferential loans proposed for healthcare workers to encourage privatization

The government is proposing zl. 48 million be spent for preferential loans for doctors and nurses over the next six years in a bill sent to Sejm. The money will be spent for people being laid off or resigning, but still willing to work in the health sector on their own. "Privatization in the health sector is positive for the system, as it supplies more money. It will also profit patients, as they will receive better treatment," said Krystyna Czarniecka from the health department. If Sejm passes the bill, banks will be allowed to grant loans to dentists to a maximum of zl. 70,000 and nurses and midwives to a maximum of zl. 40,000 for five years with interest rates half of the National Bank of Poland (NBP) discount rate. The money could be spent for medical offices and acquiring specialist and medical equipment. Those who pay off 80% of the loan with interest, employ people or create an office in places with less than 10,000 citizens could qualify for a loan freeze. "We are infuriated with this bill. This help will be given only to hundreds of doctors, but the whole medical sector is prepared to work on their own accord," said the General Nurses and Midwives Council (NRPiP) president Iwona Tulodziecka. (Rzeczpospolita, page A1, A4) M.M.