The XI Health Challenges Congress, recently held in Katowice, gathered health experts and officials to discuss necessary reforms in Poland's healthcare system. The discussions highlighted the need for better data management to guide decision-making, as emphasized by Bartłomiej Ł. Chmielowiec, the Patient Rights Ombudsman. He suggested forming an expert group to collaboratively present recommendations to the health minister, focusing on both short-term and long-term strategies.

A significant portion of the congress was dedicated to the financial predictability of public health services. Adam Szlachta, president of American Heart of Poland and Scanmed, raised critical questions about government actions aimed at stabilizing funding for hospitals and other service providers, reflecting widespread concerns in the sector regarding financial stability. The government’s financing strategies were critically reviewed, as stakeholders seek assurances on when improvements in predictability could be felt on the ground by health services.

Filip Nowak, head of the National Health Fund, emphasized an inclusive approach to contracting health service providers, stating that the Fund does not discriminate based on ownership types but adheres to defined requirements for services. This perspective aims to foster a more uniform healthcare landscape, although the call for reforms and better funding remains a priority for professionals invested in the health sector’s future stability and effectiveness in meeting patient needs.