Instead of going to patient care, 4 billion PLN from the Medical Fund (FM) was transferred to the National Health Fund (NFZ) to plug a budget hole. By law, these funds must be returned by the end of the year, but Tusk’s government has a different plan. In the background is yet another act of blackmail directed at President Karol Nawrocki.
The Medical Fund Scandal
Katarzyna Sójka, an MP from PiS, drew attention on social media to a scandal involving the Medical Fund (FM). It is a special earmarked fund, financed annually from the state budget with at least 4 billion PLN, intended to support modern therapies, treatments, and investments in healthcare – especially for children.
In a graphic published by the politician, it was shown that by the decision of Izabela Leszczyna, 4 billion PLN was not transferred to the Medical Fund (FM) but instead to the National Health Fund (NFZ) to fill a budget gap. “The law requires that 4 billion PLN be returned to the Medical Fund by the end of the year. The lack of repayment constitutes a violation of the law, which will result in criminal liability for the person making the decision,” we read. The graphic also indicated what the December 13 coalition government expects from President Karol Nawrocki.
“The government wants the president to sign a law that: allocates 3.6 billion PLN for children’s treatment – great. Introduces a change to the law regarding the settlement of funds from the Medical Fund, removing the obligation to return the shifted 4 billion PLN. Meaning in practice: children receive 3.6 billion, the Medical Fund loses 4 billion PLN. The law is being changed ‘for one person,’” it was explained.
It was recalled that the presidential draft bill, currently frozen in the Sejm, states that “3.6 billion PLN will be allocated for children – just as the government promised. Additionally, it provides for the obligation to return the 4 billion PLN that Minister Leszczyna removed from the Fund.”
“Are we supposed to legalize the government’s violation of the law – or restore 7.6 billion PLN to patients, as the President demands?” MP Sójka asked.
The Collapse of the Healthcare System
The situation of Poland’s healthcare system is currently extremely difficult. According to data from the Association of Polish Counties (ZPP), by the end of November 2025, county hospitals nationwide have accumulated more than 22 billion PLN in unpaid liabilities for over-limit services from 2023–2025. The National Health Fund (NFZ) faces a financial gap amounting to several billion PLN this year.
Many hospital wards across the country, including in particular gynecology and obstetrics units, may disappear from the map. In response, the Ministry of Health is considering creating so-called “birthing points” operating within hospital emergency departments or admission rooms. Additionally, Minister of Health Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda announced today that cuts to drug reimbursement for seniors and minors are possible.