As of January 1, 2025, approximately 1600 independent nursing and midwifery practices in Poland may be forced to shut down, directly affecting around 8 million patients. The reason behind this crisis lies in the new regulations introduced by the Ministry of Health, which were intended to improve primary healthcare but may ultimately lead to its paralysis.
Loss of Freedom of Choice
According to Prawo.pl, the new regulations, resulting from the 2017 Act on Primary Healthcare, will bring about revolutionary changes. From January 2025, the current patient declarations of choosing a nurse or midwife will no longer be valid. Instead, when selecting a family doctor, patients will automatically be assigned to collaborating nurses. This change will strip independent nursing practices of their funding. While clinics primarily employ nurses to work on-site, independent practices provide care to patients in their homes. This problem may affect 8 million Poles, and considering the current demographic trends, the number of patients may even increase.
„This is a complete denial of the idea of free choice of healthcare provider,” warns Mariola Łodzińska, President of the National Council of Nurses and Midwives, in an interview with Prawo.pl. „Most home care services are provided by independent practices, which may now be deprived of funding,” she explains.
Ministry Acknowledges the Problem
The Ministry of Health is aware of the issue and is working on amending the Act. The goal of the changes is to enable nurses and midwives to continue their independent practices while strengthening cooperation within primary healthcare teams. The Ministry assures that the matter is a priority. However, if the legislative process does not conclude before the end of the year, the Ministry plans to give the new regulations retroactive effect from January 1, 2025.
If the changes do not come into effect on time, around 8 million Poles may lose access to their current nurses and midwives. This may be particularly severe for individuals requiring regular home care, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Consequences and Solutions
The potential consequences of not addressing this issue are dire. The Polish healthcare system may face a shortage of skilled professionals, leading to a decrease in the quality of care and increased healthcare costs. Moreover, the lack of access to home care may result in higher hospitalization rates, further straining the already overburdened healthcare system.
To mitigate this crisis, the Ministry of Health must act swiftly to introduce legislation that supports independent nursing practices while promoting cooperation within primary healthcare teams. Additionally, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and policymakers must work together to find solutions that ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
Facts and Figures
* 1600 independent nursing and midwifery practices in Poland may be affected by the changes.
* 8 million patients may lose access to their current nurses and midwives.
* 70% of home care services in Poland are provided by independent practices. (Source: National Council of Nurses and Midwives)
* The Polish healthcare system faces a shortage of around 10,000 nurses and midwives. (Source: Ministry of Health)
By acting promptly and cooperatively, we can prevent a crisis in primary healthcare and ensure that Polish patients continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.
