On Tuesday, directors of county hospitals across Poland protested in front of the Ministry of Health in Warsaw. Organized by the National Association of Employers of County Hospitals (OZPSP), the protest was framed around the slogan "County hospitals do not want to die on their knees." The protesting directors are drawing attention to the severe financial difficulties plaguing the healthcare sector, which they argue disproportionately affect county hospitals. They claim that these facilities are often the first to be impacted by closures, and they face significant shortages of medical personnel, despite being responsible for treating the majority of patients in the country.

The OZPSP has taken a decisive stance, publishing six demands aimed at the Ministry of Health through social media. Waldemar Malinowski, the president of the association, announced a deadline of the end of March for a government response, warning that the protests will escalate if no action is taken. This marks the first protest action from hospitals since 2019, signaling an urgent need for dialogue and resolution in the face of ongoing challenges in the healthcare system.

Financial reports highlight a troubling scenario, with debts of hospitals in Lesko, Sanok, and Dębica reaching approximately 400 million zlotys. Such significant financial strain further underscores the vulnerabilities of county hospitals and raises alarms about potential service reductions or closures, which would have dire consequences for local communities dependent on these crucial healthcare services.