Poland faces systemic healthcare access challenges

Poland is facing systemic challenges in healthcare accessibility, characterized by a decline in pharmacies and a regional imbalance in medical personnel. The number of pharmacies in the country has fallen below 11,000, reaching levels not seen since 2007. This decline is particularly acute in smaller towns and eastern provinces, with Lower Silesia experiencing a record drop.

In many municipalities, traditional pharmacies are being replaced by ‘pharmacy points.’ These points offer a more limited selection of medications, often at higher prices—sometimes double those found in standard pharmacies. Furthermore, pharmacy points lack the guaranteed presence of a pharmacist, which limits access to professional pharmaceutical care, vaccinations, and emergency pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Simultaneously, the country faces a critical shortage of medical staff. A report by the SGH Think Tank indicates that the physician shortage has become a systemic issue with significant regional disparities. While some areas maintain relatively good access, others suffer from severe staffing difficulties. The report suggests that simply increasing the number of medical students is insufficient, as the problem also involves the distribution of staff, the choice of specializations, and matching availability to the specific needs of different provinces.