Patients using tracheostomy tubes are raising alarms about inadequate reimbursement, which forces them to use the same medical devices repeatedly. Lack of access to an adequate number of new tubes increases the risk of dangerous infections. The Ombudsman has asked the Health Ministry to take a position on the issue.
These patients can't afford to "breathe". RPO intervenes
Published March 25, 2025 12:06
The Ombudsman's Office is receiving complaints from patients about insufficient access to reimbursement for tracheostomy tubes. Those who require their daily use stress that reimbursement covers only 3 tubes per six months, while the need is much greater. As a result, patients are forced to clean and reinsert the same tubes repeatedly, putting their health at risk.
In some cases, patients cannot use a single tube for more than a few hours without removing and cleaning it. Each replacement means temporarily depriving the patient of oxygen, which can cause dangerous complications.
Patients stress that due to the high cost, they can only afford to buy 5-6 tubes per month, while their needs are about 50 tubes. Each tube costs about PLN 150, which is an insurmountable financial barrier for many people. As a result, patients are forced to use the same tubes repeatedly, increasing the risk of infections that can lead to serious health consequences, including fatal ones.
The Director of the Administrative and Economic Law Team of the Ombudsman's Office, Piotr Mierzejewski, has sent a letter to the Director of the Drug Policy and Pharmacy Department at the Health Ministry, Katarzyna Piotrowska-Radziewicz. RPO with a request to take a position on the issue.
Source: RPO
