Neurological diseases should become a strategic priority in the Polish healthcare system, according to a report. Estimates suggest one-third of the population is struggling with a chronic neurological condition.

Published on 9 September, the report “Neurology in Poland: Current State and Development Prospects” is the result of several months of work by medical experts, members of the Polish Neurological Society, and healthcare specialists, together with 18 patient organisations involved in neurology.

“Estimates suggest that as much as one-third of the population is dealing with a chronic neurological condition,” Professor Konrad Rejdak, Head of the Department and Clinic of Neurology at the Medical University of Lublin and President of the Polish Neurological Society told Euractiv.

Six million patients

The report provides data on the number of affected patients, epidemiology, treatment conditions, and financial investment in neurology.

The figures show that in 2023, neurologists in Poland diagnosed and treated approximately six million patients with neurological diseases.

Last year, the National Health Fund (NFZ) spent around €2.16 billion on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these conditions.

In 2022, Poland had 208 neurological wards, which admitted nearly 223,000 patients, resulting in 262,000 hospitalisations. However, it is important to note that the number of patients needing care is expected to increase in the coming years, with the situation likely to worsen as the population ages.

Neurology is not a priority

The state of patients with neurological diseases in Poland has not been assessed favourably. The Polish Neurological Society surveyed neurology specialists, revealing that Polish neurology requires significant changes. While 68% of respondents acknowledged some improvement in the field, it is still “decidedly” worse than Western Europe.

The survey found that neurology is not treated as a priority within the Polish healthcare system, said 76% of respondents. Hospital care funding is inadequate and insufficient, falling short of actual costs (93% of respondents). Similarly, 84% of respondents said that outpatient care funding was below the costs incurred.

Experts also highlighted staff shortages, both in specialist care and in hospitals. They are advocating for the development of medical and support personnel in neurology, as well as improving working conditions.

Although neurology is often viewed as a fascinating field, many young doctors are deterred by the challenging working conditions, particularly in hospitals, with demanding shifts and the need to care for severely ill, multi-morbid patients, which requires extensive knowledge and ongoing professional development.

Another concerning issue is that one in three neurologists is of retirement age. Respondents suggested that making neurology a priority specialisation and increasing salaries could help attract more doctors to the field.

To improve the situation, the survey emphasised the need for better compensation for services financed by the National Health Fund and higher salaries in public neurology wards and outpatient clinics.

While significant progress has been made in recent years in Poland regarding reimbursement of new drug and non-drug technologies in neurology, both doctors and patients are still awaiting public reimbursement for therapies registered in the European Union, as well as an expansion of reimbursement criteria for already covered medications.

Stroke – the Polish problem

According to Professor Rejdak, strokes remain the most significant issue in Poland.

One major reason is the persistently high mortality rate—nearly 13% of patients hospitalised for ischemic stroke die within the first 30 days, compared to the European average of 7.7%, despite some success in reducing hospital mortality.

The report suggests that this situation may be due to limited access to specialised neurological rehabilitation wards, an insufficient number of long-term care facilities, and the lack of a comprehensive support system for home care and rehabilitation for stroke patients.

Additionally, there is a growing incidence of stroke among individuals under the age of 54. “Stroke continues to be the leading cause of disability among adult Poles and one of the most common neurological conditions,” Professor Rejdak told Euractiv.

The report highlights the extensive list of unmet needs related to stroke care in Poland.

The report was prepared by the Polish Neurological Society and the Health and Education Foundation Ad Meritum.

[Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab]

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