Quality Law: The Parliamentary Health Committee rejected the Senate veto

The Senate's decision to veto the Quality Act was explained by the vice-chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Wojciech Konieczny, primarily on the grounds that the number of amendments that would have to be made to the legislation would make it inconsistent and unable to be adapted to Polish legislation.

- According to the Senate, the bill in no way ensures an increase in the quality of health care in Poland, and omits key elements such as the organization of the health care system or its financing. It doesn't include things that were assumed in the original law, such as a no-fault system. Our basic objection is that this law does not bring anything new," explained Senator Wojciech Konieczny.

The government's position on the Senate's resolution was presented by Deputy Health Minister Piotr Bromber. In it, he expressed surprise at the attitude, which, in the view of those in power, is a manifestation of the reluctance of the Upper House of Parliament to the idea of improving quality in health care.

- In the Senate, I asked the rhetorical question, "Why is there so much fear of quality in health care among some senators?" I could infer that you are against participation, patient participation in the evaluation of the treatment process. New legal solutions are not introduced on the basis of new burdens. Our goal is not to complicate the decision-making process, but that the patients' point of view is also taken into account in management. We want to pay for quality. This quality will translate into a contract with the National Health Fund," assured Piotr Bromber.

In the end, 11 deputies voted in favor of the Senate veto, 17 voted against, and one abstained. This means that the Senate amendment did not receive the recommendation of the Health Committee.