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At the Institute for the Social Policy Development, we summarize what happened in the healthcare system in 2025. We reflect on what must change in 2026, what challenges we will face, and what will be most important this year in the field of public health.

2025 – A Year of Trials for Health

1. Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union

This was Poland’s second presidency of the Council of the European Union in history. One of its key themes was health. At the beginning of the presidency, the Institute for the Social Policy Development published a White Paper containing expert opinions and recommendations in the field of healthcare.

We demonstrated that health is not only part of broadly understood social policy but also a crucial component of national security. The latest data collected by the National Health Fund (NFZ) show that one of the key problems is children’s health:

• 15% struggle with obesity,
• 30% have sleep problems,
• 25% experience cyberbullying,
• 20% struggle with depression.

Topics such as patient health, especially mental health protection for children and adolescents in the digital world, prevention, digitalization of healthcare, critical medicines, and pharmaceutical security were central during the six‑month presidency. Poland showed that it can set directions for action and stimulate discussion in Europe.

2. Changes in Healthcare for Women

Several important changes were introduced.

The first was the implementation of two key preventive tests for early detection of cervical cancer: the HPV HR test and liquid‑based cytology (LBC). The updated screening program gives Polish patients access to diagnostics based on the latest medical knowledge and global standards. HPV HR testing and LBC are widely used in many European countries and recommended by WHO and the EU.

Another major change was the introduction of comprehensive treatment for endometriosis — one of the main causes of infertility among women. Up to one in ten women of reproductive age suffers from endometriosis. In the current demographic situation, effective diagnosis and treatment are particularly important. From 1 July 2025, specialized treatment centers began operating.

On 23 October 2025, the Minister of Health, Jolanta Sobierańska‑Grenda, signed amendments to the regulation on perinatal care standards. Key changes include:

• increased access to epidural anesthesia,
• greater involvement of anesthesiology midwives,
• two hours of uninterrupted skin‑to‑skin contact between mother and newborn,
• single rooms for women who miscarried or delivered a stillborn child,
• expanded access to professional midwife care at home.

The in vitro program proved to be a significant success — supporting over 41,000 couples to date. The full procedure is financed, including qualification, tests, treatment, and psychological support. By the end of 2025, more than 8,000 children had been born thanks to the program.

3. Investments from the National Recovery Plan

Healthcare investments amounted to approximately 30 billion PLN. Competitions were announced for hospitals and primary care facilities. Funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) and other EU programs were combined.

Key allocations included:

• nearly 3.2 billion PLN for psychiatric infrastructure,
• 700 million PLN for primary care (POZ),
• 5.2 billion PLN for hospitals in the National Oncology Network — for diagnostic equipment, infrastructure, modernization, radiotherapy, and surgical technologies.

Many hospitals planned expansion or modernization of operating theaters.

4. Changes to Anti‑Tobacco Legislation

On 17 April 2025, a law banning the sale of novel tobacco products with characteristic flavors (e.g., fruit, menthol) came into force. Eliminating these products reduces addiction risks and protects young people’s health.

5. Drug and Therapy Reimbursement

The year ended with good news for patients: the January reimbursement list included 24 new therapies:

• 9 oncological,
• 15 non‑oncological,
• 8 for rare diseases.6. The Act on the National Cardiology Network

The National Cardiology Network (KSK) will ensure faster diagnosis, better‑organized treatment, and unified standards nationwide. It will consist of three levels:

OK I – basic diagnostics and treatment
OK II – advanced treatment, coordination, interventional cardiology, acute coronary syndromes, rehabilitation
OK III – all OK II services plus the most complex procedures, including cardiac surgery

Each OK II and OK III center will employ a cardiology care coordinator to guide patients through the entire treatment pathway.

7. Strengthening the Safety of Paramedics

Amendments to the Emergency Medical Services Act include:

• psychological support for paramedics,
• regular self‑defense and crisis‑response training (at least every 5 years),
• three‑person ambulance teams,
• motorcycle rescue units,
• direct connection to medical dispatch when dialing 999.

In 2024, EMS teams intervened over 3.2 million times, and in 3,000 cases they themselves required assistance due to violence.

2026 – A Year of Change in the Healthcare System

1. Financing the System

“We must ask ourselves: what next? The system in its current form is not financially sustainable,” said NFZ Vice President Jakub Szulc in November 2025.

He emphasized the need for new legal regulations and financing healthcare not only through insurance contributions but also from the state budget.

2. Patient at the Center

Patients must take responsibility for their health. Many preventive programs funded by the NFZ require greater participation. Prevention is as important as treatment.

Deputy Minister Katarzyna Kacperczyk highlighted two priorities for the new “health contract”:

system resilience,
citizen responsibility.

3. Pharmaceutical Security

The key challenge for 2026 is implementing the new pharmaceutical policy, which:

• reorganizes reimbursement,
• introduces new thinking about the role of medicines,
• includes advanced therapies and pharmaceutical security as part of national security,
• aligns with the planned amendment to the reimbursement law.4. System Resilience and Safety

Resilience means adapting to current and future challenges — infrastructure, drug production and supply continuity, modern therapies, technologies, and procedures. Financial security and patient awareness of prevention are essential.

5. Mental Health

Young people want to be heard. Anxiety disorders are increasing due to the pandemic, hate speech, and everyday pressures. Experts emphasize the need for interministerial cooperation and attentiveness.

On 20 November 2025, the Minister of Health extended the pilot program of Mental Health Centers (CZP) until 31 December 2026.

6. Central e‑Registration

Patients can now book NFZ appointments online via the Internet Patient Account (IKP) and the mojeIKP mobile app. They can:

• book first‑time cardiology visits,
• book mammography and cytology,
• change or cancel appointments.7. Support for Seniors

On 16 December 2025, the government adopted the multi‑year program “Active Seniors – ASY” for 2026–2030, with a budget of 610 million PLN. The program promotes social, cultural, and educational engagement of older adults.

8. Brain and Heart Health

Developing comprehensive cardiology and neurology care is a priority for 2026. This includes implementing the National Cardiology Network and expanding coordinated neurological care and rehabilitation centers.

9. Financing and Economic Impact

“Health is not only an expense — it is also a source of economic revenue,” emphasized Dr. Jakub Gierczyński. Ten percent of Poland’s workforce is employed in healthcare, contributing significantly to GDP.