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The Growing Need for Private Medical Care in Poland Amidst Cancer Challenges  

Edyta Nowak Skawska

2 Min Read

The National Health Fund’s prevention programmes are crucial for early detection of diseases and prevention of their development, while private medical care offers more comprehensive and faster health care.

According to the reports of the National Cancer Registry, cancer is one of the most serious health problems in Poland.  About 170 thousand new cases of malignant cancer are diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, the number of deaths due to cancer is also high, amounting to over 100 thousand per year. Currently, over 1.17 million Poles live with cancer.  

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Poland, accounting for about 25% of all deaths.  

Prevention programmes under the National Health Fund  

The National Health Fund (NFZ) offers a number of prevention programmes that are aimed at early detection and prevention of cancer. The most important programmes include:  

  • Breast Cancer Prevention Programme: Includes regular mammograms for women   
  • ages 50-69   
  • Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme: Aimed at women aged 25-59, includes regular Pap smear tests   
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme: Offers colonoscopies for people aged 50-65   
  • Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Programme (CVD): Aimed at people aged 35-55, includes check-ups and health education   
  • Tobacco-related disease prevention programme: Includes measures to reduce smoking and early detection of smoking-related diseases   
  • More: https://pacjent.gov.pl/programy-profilaktyczne  

Why is access to private medical care in Poland necessary?  

Private medical care packages have become a common and valued benefit element in Poland. More and more employees appreciate access to fast and comprehensive health care, which translates into their satisfaction and loyalty to the employer.  

According to a report by Benefit Systems, more than 60% of employees consider private healthcare to be a key factor when choosing an employer.  

Employers also see the benefits of offering such packages that help reduce sickness absenteeism, increase employee motivation and engagement, and build a positive image of the company.  

With private medical packages, companies can attract and retain talent in a competitive job market, which is especially important today. And although the National Health Fund’s prevention programmes are extremely important and effective, access to private medical care is essential to provide fast and comprehensive health care. We did a comparison:  

Preventive programmes of the National Health Fund:

  • Objective: They focus on early detection of diseases and prevention of their development. They are designed to reduce the number of cases and improve the overall health of the population.  
  •   Scope: They include screening tests such as mammography, cytology, or colonoscopy, which are available for specific age groups and risks.  
  •   Accessibility: They are available to all citizens as part of the public health service, which means that they are free or require minimal fees.  

Private medical care

  • Objective: Focuses on comprehensive health care, including diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and specialist care. Private medical care often offers faster access to services and a more individual approach to the patient.  
  • Scope: Includes a wide range of services, including consultations with various specialists, advanced diagnostic tests. 
  • Availability: It is available to people who decide to buy private medical packages or use the services of private medical facilities. This involves additional costs, but provides greater comfort and faster access to care.  

Perfect Partners  

In conclusion, the National Health Fund’s prevention programmes are crucial for early detection of diseases and prevention of their development, while private medical care offers more comprehensive and faster health care, which may be necessary in the case of more serious diseases or the need for specialised diagnostics and treatment.  

Edyta Nowak-Skawska

Head of the Health & Benefits Department
GrECo Poland

T +48 882 366 293

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