Deputy Health Minister Katarzyna Kęcka emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the implications of health care pay raises and mentions the priority of postponing these raises to January for better annual budget planning.
In a recent interview, Deputy Health Minister Katarzyna Kęcka urged all stakeholders in the health sector to thoughtfully consider the current financial challenges and potential consequences of pending pay raises for health care professionals. She highlighted that failing to reach a compromise on the postponement of these raises could result in insufficient funding for hospitals, which may affect their operational capabilities. Kęcka suggested that rescheduling the raises from July to January is crucial as it would allow for better planning of hospitals' annual budgets and financial settlements with the National Health Fund (NFZ).
The response from the medical community regarding the Ministry's proposals has been less than enthusiastic. Many health professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and laboratory diagnosticians, have expressed dissatisfaction with the current arrangements and are planning protests. This dissatisfaction reflects broader frustration within the healthcare sector over ongoing salary arrangements and the quality of healthcare services, highlighting the systemic issues that need to be addressed.
Kęcka's comments raise concerns about a potential resurgence of public demonstrations reminiscent of the "Białe Miasteczko" (White Town) protests, which focused on health sector grievances. While she hopes to avoid such scenarios, the situation underscores the critical need for dialogue between the government and health professionals to achieve a resolution that preserves the integrity of the healthcare system and the welfare of its workers.
