Hospitals in debt are currently transforming into joint-stock companies, in line with the recently adopted healthcare reform package.

Under the new law, all the debts of such a hospital are taken over by the founding body of the facility, while the company begins operating with a clean balance sheet.

“There was a time when we lost financial liquidity, the hospital did not have money for payouts to employees and financing the activity of the facility, lacking funds for medication, dressings and equipment,” said Jacek Bierca, head of a private medical centre in Warsaw’s Solec district, which became a joint-stock company as of January. The facility had a debt of up to 13 million euro.

Another hospital, in Warsaw’s Brodno district, has also been admitting patients as a joint-stock company from the beginning of 2011. The facility operates under a contract signed with the state National Health Fund, offering treatment free of charge, alongside paid services for those willing to spend money on getting ahead in waiting lists, says the company’s chairman, Teresa Bogiel.

Meanwhile, the patients themselves have not seen much difference in the running of the hospital, citing unwavering long lines for doctor’s appointments and treatment.

The total debt of all public hospitals in Poland equals 10 billion zloty (around 2.5 billion euro). (aba/jb)

Source: IAR