As of September 6, 2025, higher rates of benefits from the Medical Event Compensation Fund are in effect. This solution, introduced at the initiative of Patient Ombudsman Bartholomew Chmiellow, allows patients and their relatives to get financial support faster without the need for lengthy litigation.
More than PLN 31 million has already been paid out. From September, higher benefit amounts for injured patients
Published Sept. 19, 2025 08:01
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The Medical Event Compensation Fund, effective 2022, was established by Patient Ombudsman Bartholomew Chmiellow as an alternative to time-consuming and costly litigation. As of September 6, 2025, new, higher compensation rates apply.
The maximum benefit amount for the injured patient is now PLN 230,821 (previously PLN 222,800). Relatives of the deceased patient can expect a benefit of up to PLN 115,411 (previously PLN 111,400). The flat fee for filing a claim is PLN 348 and is the only cost of the proceedings. Benefit amounts are valorized annually, and current rates can be checked on the Patient Ombudsman's website at Gov.pl.
Already more than PLN 31.8 million in compensation
Since the Fund's inception, benefits totalling more than PLN 31.8 million have been granted to nearly 550 people. The average amount of support is about PLN 58 thousand. Acceptance of the benefit means at the same time the termination of any claims against the medical establishment.
- I am glad that we can help those who are injured as a result of medical treatment, and this assistance has a very real shape. The amount of benefits is not only a worthy compensation, but is also being revalued," stresses Bartlomiej Chmielowiec, Patient Ombudsman.
At the end of the procedure, a patient who has suffered serious consequences of a medical event receives a special certificate. It allows the patient to receive health care out of turn. In turn, the hospital where the incident occurred is obliged to analyze its causes and implement measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
The growing interest in the Fund is associated with the increasing number of applications submitted - so far 3,400 have already been received. To ensure a fair assessment of medical records, the Patient Ombudsman works with a wide range of experts. Currently, this includes about 220 doctors of various specialties and other health care professionals who support the substantive side of the proceedings.
Source: MPC
