As part of the XVIII Forum of Patients' Organisations (FOP), the report "Patient in the Polish health system - 2024" was presented, which was created on the initiative of the Institute for Patients' Rights and Health Education. The publication is a supplement to the discussions and debates on the health care system held at the FOP, collecting in one place the current needs, comments and opinions of patient organisations on the health care system in Poland.
The report "The Patient in the Polish Health System - 2024", based on the opinions of dozens of Polish patient organisations, gathers important observations on the state of the Polish health care system, which is in the vast majority of cases assessed by patients as average, and often negatively. In the report published at the conference, the organisations point to the need for significant changes.
Key findings of the report. According to the opinions collected, the most pressing problems mentioned by the organisations are queues for health services, staff shortages and inequalities in access to health care. In addition, challenges related to access to specialised care and the problem of funding, including issues related to drug reimbursement, are also mentioned. Many organisations highlighted the lack of access to modern therapies for patients. Also access to medical technology, is assessed as average or poor.
Urgent need for health education. It is noteworthy that patients' organisations point to the urgent need for health education, and that the most important area in need of adequate health care is that of children and adolescents' mental health. The need to combat smog and the prevention of cardiovascular disease are also equally important issues.
The need for comprehensive health system reform. One of the main conclusions of the report is the need for a comprehensive reform of the system, taking into account both improving access to health services and providing better working conditions for medical staff. A key role in the reform process will be played by cooperation with patient organisations, which have invaluable knowledge of patients' needs and expectations.