We spend too little on health, and the bill from the state continues to grow

For the fourteenth time, the Civil Development Forum has compiled "Account from the State," a compilation showing how much the state spends in the most important areas and how much of this spending falls on average per capita. The publication covers all public spending, and is not limited to the state budget, which is only a fragment of the finances of the entire general government sector

So how much does the state cost? In 2024, public spending in Poland reached a record 1.8 trillion zlotys - that's nearly 48 thousand zlotys per capita and more than 103 thousand zlotys per working Pole. The "Account from the State" shows that an average of PLN 13,369 per capita was spent on pensions - with additional "thirteenths" and "fourteenths". This is almost 2.5 times more than on health care, which consumed PLN 5762 per person. By comparison, education and science accounted for another 5076 zlotys.

Meanwhile, as a society we are aging rapidly, and the growing number of seniors means an increasing demand for health services. Unfortunately, the health care system is unprepared for this challenge, especially given the uneven distribution of public resources.

Military priorities? Although defense spending has risen to a record high of 3,585 zloty per capita, this is only 14% of the total increase in state spending from 2021. Pensions still account for the largest portion of the increase.

In 2024, the public finance sector deficit was 6.6% of GDP. In 2025 - according to forecasts - it will remain high. Poland is once again under the magnifying glass of the European Union under the excessive deficit procedure. While exceptions are possible for armaments spending, there is no concessionary tariff for money being passed through the system.

Source: Civil Development Forum