Polish Neurology Society urges systemic reforms at Warsaw drug policy conference

On 27 May in Warsaw, the conference “Priorities and Challenges in Polish and European Drug Policy” featured a dedicated session on neurological disorders. Prof. Alina Kułakowska, president of the Polish Society of Neurology, warned that the number of patients with neurological conditions is rising due to an ageing population, lifestyle factors and improved diagnostics. She called for recognizing neurology as a priority field, establishing a clear reference network, and streamlining patient pathways, citing staff shortages in modern diagnostic and treatment units.

Prof. Halina Sienkiewicz‑Jarosz emphasized the growing burden of dementia, stressing prevention, public education and early diagnosis. She highlighted the National Programme for Actions against Dementia (2025‑2030) and argued that its success depends on concrete organisational solutions and adequate funding. Former PTN president Prof. Konrad Rejdak estimated that about 600 000 Poles have diagnosed or developing dementia, with up to one million at risk, underscoring the urgency of systemic reforms.