Hospital reform blocked again. OZZL calls for dialogue and transparency

Hospital reform still can't get off the ground. OZZL has published a position paper in which it is concerned about the information about yet another - the third - suspension of the draft law reforming the hospital system by the Council of Ministers. As the doctors note, despite the Health Ministry's announcements about the fundamental nature of the reform, the lack of any concrete information about the further course of work only adds to the chaos.

The flashpoint, as determined by "Rynek Zdrowia", turned out to be the sudden proposal to facilitate the employment of doctors from abroad. The so-called legislative "throw-in", not previously included in the draft, was met with harsh criticism from the OZZL.

"We object to the mode in which such changes are being introduced - without consultation, without a sound analysis of the consequences and in the form of a tacked-on regulation," the union stresses.

Doctors are calling for:

• A transparent legislative process,
• Real dialogue with the medical community,
• disclosing reform intentions at the planning stage, and not only after a media storm,
• Focus on improving the working conditions and pay of doctors in Poland.

In its position paper, OZZL also recalls one of its key demands: a salary of three national averages for a specialist doctor employed on a single full-time basis in a public facility.

"Patient safety and the future of the health care system must not be held hostage to political gamesmanship and legislative pitting," the doctors warn. And they add: "We need a hospital tailored to the health needs of the population. Safe health care is a safe country."

Source: OZZL