Health Minister for "Rzeczpospolita": We cannot pretend that private entities do not exist

Last week, around 400 representatives from county hospitals and local governments gathered in Warsaw, hoping to discuss the future of county hospitals with the health minister, who did not attend. Instead, Deputy Minister Tomasz Maciejewski was present. The minister explained her absence by stating she meets with county hospitals regularly and had previously met with key representatives. She emphasized the importance of dialogue with both public and private healthcare sectors, acknowledging the financial struggles of county hospitals, which are facing significant debts. The minister mentioned ongoing discussions about financial support mechanisms for these hospitals, indicating that restructuring processes are necessary to address their challenges. She reassured that the ministry does not want to see a third of the hospitals close and highlighted the need for adapting the healthcare system to local needs and demographic changes.