Poland hospitals face doctors shortage

WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A pending European Union law to limit working hours of physicians is likely to further aggravate a lack of doctors practicing at hospitals in Poland.

The situation in Polish state-run hospitals and clinics is expected to worsen on Tuesday, when the law ordering physicians to work no more than 48 hours a week goes into effect, Polish Radio said Friday.

The new law, worked out under an EU directive, could leave hospitals across Poland in January without a sufficient number of doctors to care for patients around the clock, the report said.

However, Polish Health Minister Ewa Kopacz said she believes doctors will work with diligence and keep state-run healthcare facilities operating normally.

Kopacz said most hospitals have already agreed with doctors on working hours for January.

Lack of funds appear a major stumbling block. Doctors demand higher pay for being on duty extra hours but most Polish hospitals don't have the money to pay them, the radio said.