Poland implements Central e-Registration for healthcare

Poland is implementing a Central e-Registration system designed to improve transparency and equality in healthcare access. The initiative aims to allow patients to book appointments with dozens of medical specialists via the Internet Patient Account (IKP) by the end of 2027.

While the system is intended to eliminate opaque registration procedures and allow for social monitoring of hospital queues, current implementation for cardiology has faced challenges. Critics note that a 40-day registration window limits patients' ability to see long-term availability or find suitable facilities. Data shows fluctuations in reported available slots, with fewer than 40,000 cardiology appointments available as of late September, despite higher figures reported earlier in the summer.

The rollout is expected to expand to 40 different types of ambulatory services by 2027. The system focuses on equitable treatment regardless of where a referral originates, while maintaining emergency access through ERs and ambulances for urgent cases.