The hospital in Żywiec announced that the National Health Fund (NFZ) had proposed a payment of 109 (one hundred and nine) zlotys as part of the settlement for so-called capped excess services for the entire year 2025. The facility stated that the actual value of medical care provided to patients beyond the imposed limits exceeded 24 million zlotys.
The hospital in Żywiec reported the situation on its website. At the same time, it announced its participation in the nationwide “Black Week” – a protest by county hospitals.
Thousands of procedures performed
“This is not a mistake or a misprint. Nor is it a bad joke. For the entire year 2025, the Żywiec Hospital received a proposed payment from the NFZ (for now) of 109 (one hundred and nine) zlotys as part of the settlement for so-called capped excess services. On the other hand, we have the amount of 24,129,955 zlotys (yes – over twenty-four million). This is the real value of medical care we provided to our patients beyond the imposed limits, including in cardiology, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. These are thousands of procedures, surgeries, and diagnostic tests, which the hospital paid for out of its own funds, and for which the state does not want/cannot now reimburse the costs.” it was stated on the hospital’s website.
“On behalf of patients”
It was announced that from April 20 to 24, the hospital is taking part in the nationwide “Black Week.”
“We are protesting on behalf of patients, because it is you who pay the highest price for this systemic paralysis. If the system does not pay fairly, hospital beds will be empty not due to a lack of patients, but due to a lack of funds for their treatment. The problem is not limited to a single NFZ regulation or the failure to settle a specific invoice. What we are witnessing is the consequence of years of state policy: expectations of ‘treatment at half price’ combined with chronically insufficient funding and a complete lack of a clear strategy for county hospitals. We cannot accept a situation in which whether a patient is diagnosed on time is determined not by a doctor’s knowledge, but by a contractual limit.” it was written.
The hospital also recalled the demands of county hospitals, which include, among others, “fair payment for work already performed.”
“We expect a fair settlement of excess services for 2025. A situation in which a hospital saves lives ‘on credit’ and then receives a payment proposal of 109 zlotys for services worth millions is unacceptable.” it was assessed.
Additionally, hospitals are calling for, among other things, realistic pricing of diagnostic tests, a stable plan and strategy, and continued support for county hospitals.
“We demand the start of serious discussions about the future of healthcare. Patient safety cannot depend on bureaucratic tables, but on the real medical needs of the residents of our region.” it was emphasized.
