According to the Supreme Medical Chamber (Naczelna Izba Lekarska, NIL), healthcare has taken a back seat in the ongoing Polish presidential campaign, with most candidates failing to present concrete proposals beyond discussing the health insurance contribution. The debate, they argue, has been dominated by vague campaign rhetoric and promises, neglecting key issues such as the future of medical professions, doctor education, protection of healthcare workers from aggression, strategies to shorten waiting times, and plans to improve funding.
– “The fact that the topic of healthcare appeared in the campaign at all is, in itself, somewhat optimistic – mainly in relation to the health insurance contribution. It’s a current issue, so candidates expressed their views in line with their party affiliations or sympathies,” said Dr. Iwona Kania, acting head of communications at the Supreme Medical Chamber, in an interview with Newseria.
– “We observed a divide: some advocate lowering the contribution and leaning toward privatizing healthcare in Poland, while others favor a more social model that supports well-funded public healthcare.”
Limited Focus on Broader Health Policy Issues
Rafał Trzaskowski (Civic Platform) repeatedly pledged at his campaign rallies that he would sign a bill reducing the health insurance contribution for entrepreneurs. He was joined by Szymon Hołownia (Third Way), who echoed this stance during the April 11 debate in Końskie. In contrast, candidates such as Karol Nawrocki (supported by Law and Justice), Magdalena Biejat (Left), and Adrian Zandberg (Together) opposed the measure.
Despite this, NIL criticized the campaign for lacking serious discussion on crucial healthcare system reforms. Earlier in April, the Chamber had issued a formal appeal to all candidates, urging them to present specific policy proposals, including increased healthcare spending, reduced waiting times, and equitable access to care across regions. Representing over 200,000 doctors and dentists, the Chamber emphasized that public health should be a central pillar of any presidential campaign.
– “As representatives of the healthcare sector, we expected more discussion about the future of medical professions, education, and combating violence against healthcare workers. Unfortunately, we were mostly fed campaign generalities. We’ll see how these issues are addressed once the new president takes office,” added Dr. Kania.
Presidential Powers in Health Policy
The Polish President holds significant authority in shaping healthcare policy. This includes the right to propose legislation, convene the Council for Health Protection (an advisory body), and appoint or dismiss the Minister of Health at the Prime Minister’s request. The President also has the power to veto laws, as demonstrated in early May by President Andrzej Duda, who refused to sign a bill on public healthcare funding that would have reduced contributions for entrepreneurs, instead sending it back to parliament for reconsideration.
– “Although the President’s powers may not be extensive, they significantly influence public perception and the direction of healthcare policy in Poland,” said Dr. Kania.
– “The President can also engage in or initiate preventive health campaigns. As head of state and national representative, the President shapes how public health is perceived — through promoting sports, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. These personal examples can profoundly affect public attitudes toward prevention, underlining the President’s crucial role.”
Urgent Reforms Still Awaiting Action
According to NIL, several pressing healthcare issues require immediate attention from both the incoming President and government:
- Healthcare financing – ensuring adequate public funds for a sustainable system
- Hospital operations – not only financial issues but also administrative and management reforms
- Specialist wait times – concrete plans to reduce patient queues and improve access
“These are not just policy talking points; they reflect real systemic challenges that demand effective governance,” Dr. Kania concluded.
