Polish gov’t approves plan to reform hospitals

The new rules are expected to come into force in October.

Health Minister Konstanty Radziwiłł said the new rules will see services for patients improve and make access easier to specialists. The government also wants to reduce queues for medical treatment.

Prime Minister Beata Szydło said the bill on a so-called network of hospitals was an important step towards comprehensive reform of Poland’s health service.

“This is not an easy reform but we are well prepared for it,” she said, adding that the aim was to put patients first.

The new bill aims to introduce coordinated services for patients, including after they leave hospital.

Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin has voiced concerns over the bill, which will now be debated by parliament.

The Law and Justice (PiS) party highlighted the need to improve the country’s health service during its campaign before winning parliamentary elections in late 2015.

(pk)

Source: Polish Radio