The already-completed "Prevention 40 Plus" program and the My Health program, which was launched on May 5 (it is in the organizational phase, not everything is working yet, as Health Ministry representatives admitted) were dealt with by the Subcommittee on Health Care Organization. In addition to statistical information on the completed program, the Health Ministry also presented important information on the prevention of basic civilization diseases, including oncology.
Among other things, MPs heard about plans to introduce two tests - the FIT test and low-dose CT scan - into the basket of guaranteed benefits, which are due to come to fruition later this year. Meanwhile, the HPV-DNA test and liquid-based cytology have already been introduced (the possibility of the tests will appear on July 1). - This is an important change that will allow women to be periodically examined every five years with this test. If the test comes out positive, liquid cytology follows. We want to slowly take classic cytology out of the system," announced Dominika Janiszewska-Kajka, deputy director of the Treatment Department at the Ministry of Health.
The primary problem, however, remains low enrollment in all types of preventive examinations. The Health Ministry, assuming that this is due to both lack of awareness and logistical constraints, such as transportation exclusion, plans to strengthen educational efforts. - We want to engage POZ more strongly to educate patients about the need to come in for examinations," said a representative of the health ministry. To make the tests more accessible, the ministry is considering the possibility of mobile units to conduct them.
The MPs who took the floor in the discussion drew attention to the need for changes both in the area of health education - it was again lamented that it will not be a mandatory subject, introduced from the youngest grades and even kindergarten, as well as communication. Examples of bad communications to which the public is exposed are, in the opinion of the MPs, such as advertisements for various types of drugs or supplements, which suggest that one can lead an arbitrarily unhealthy lifestyle (for example, overeating), and by taking the drugs one will not suffer health consequences.
