In Poland, while electoral silence is required before the parliamentary elections on Sunday October 15, participation in the vote could turn out to be much higher than in the past. And if there is one subject that is unanimous among Poles, it is the country’s health system. Considered expensive and defective.
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From our special correspondent in Warsaw,
The Hala Mirowska fruit and vegetable market, in the heart of Warsaw, the Polish capital: the sellers are welcoming, but the customers are difficult, Janina points out with humor. Asked about the functioning of the national health system, this almost nonagenarian former teacher does not beat around the bush: “ It is not going well at all. You have to wait two, three, or even six months before obtaining a consultation with a specialist doctor. »
Tired of waiting
Poorly paid caregivers, exceeded budgets…, sighs Rafal. This thirty-year-old executive has been seeking treatment in the private sector for a long time: “ I don’t even remember the last time I set foot in a public hospital. I prefer to avoid this health system that everyone complains about. »
Like many of his compatriots, the young man took out health insurance with one of the private providers, present in large numbers on this flourishing market. The advantage is that waiting times for an appointment are much shorter, and the quality of medical care and equipment is far superior to the public sector.
But here again, specialists are starting to be lacking. According to a survey by CBOS (Poland Opinion Polling Institute, based in Warsaw) 70% of Poles are dissatisfied with the functioning of the health system in their country, and only 27% have a positive opinion of it. On the other hand, the majority of those questioned recognize that they are treated fairly in public hospitals and they appreciate the quality and commitment of the caregivers.
The social security gap
“ Defaulter », the word is released by Stanislas, seated not far from there: “ The problem is that contributions keep increasing. And what’s more, as I am retired and the owner of a vegetable store, I contribute twice “, he explains. An aberration for this man who says he is skeptical about the future reform of the health system. Despite the increase in the budget of the National Health Fund, the quality of services leaves something to be desired. In addition, the out-of-pocket price of medicines for Polish patients is one of the most expensive in Europe.
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