On Tuesday, the government adopted a draft law on the National Oncology Network. - Cancer treatment in Poland will be based on the highest and uniform standards - assures the Minister of Health. The presentation of the assumptions of the KSO was used by the government to once again assure about the priority treatment of health protection and the growing expenditures for this purpose.
The government has adopted a draft law on the National Oncology Network
Published Jan. 4, 2023 08:19
Fot. Jakub Porzycki / Agencja Gazeta
- Today, during the meeting of the Council of Ministers, we discussed the extremely important problem of fighting cancer. This is a very important topic, which we have been heavily co-financing and piloting for several years in such a way that it is as accessible as possible to anyone who needs it, said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. - We have been fighting for Poland of equal opportunities for years and we want the access to help for patients to be as fair and equal as possible throughout our country by implementing the National Oncology Network - he stated.
Morawiecki emphasized that KSO is to lead to a situation in which cancer detection will be possible at the earliest possible stages, as well as quick and standardized treatment. He talked about PLN 5 billion, which the government allocates to the National Oncology Strategy (this is the total amount for the years 2020-2030).
The Minister of Health, in turn, emphasized equalizing the chances of patients brought by the National Oncology Network. - The priority is to provide each patient, regardless of place of residence, with treatment based on the same diagnostic and therapeutic standards - explained Adam Niedzielski.
Institutions that meet the qualification criteria set out in the Act will form the National Oncology Network. - We have divided specialist cancer treatment centers into three categories. The effectiveness of treatment will be closely monitored. Only the most specialized centers will be able to carry out procedures that require the greatest involvement - he stated.
Somehow, the government boasted of huge spending on health care. - Over the next six years, the government wants to increase health spending to 7% of GDP. GDP. Additional money will be allocated to for: investments and modernization of medical infrastructure - announced the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in a press release. It was emphasized that last year expenditure on health reached almost PLN 160 billion. - It is estimated that the planned expenditure on health care in 2023 may exceed even PLN 165 billion (approx. 6.3% of GDP) with the expected changes in the financial plan of the National Health Fund. Compared to 2015, it will be an increase of 114 percent. the message says.
What is doubtful about it? 6.3 percent Of course, GDP refers to 2021 GDP. The real, projected percentage of GDP in 2023 will most likely oscillate around a maximum of 4.8 percent, perhaps even not exceeding this limit. Secondly, the very juxtaposition of the amounts - PLN 160 billion in 2022 and PLN 165 billion in 2023 suggests a significant decrease in dynamics (even if it eventually turns out that there will be nominally more money in healthcare than in 2022): high, nearly 20% . inflation means that already at the planning stage, outlays should increase not by PLN 5 billion, but at least five times more.
