Patients with rheumatic diseases facing increasingly difficult access to therapy

The healthcare crisis in Poland is leading to inadequate treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases, risking their lives by 10-15 years. Smaller centers struggle to qualify patients for drug programs due to funding shortages, exacerbating regional disparities in access to care. Many patients are diagnosed too late, often after years of seeking help, resulting in irreversible organ damage. A pilot program aims to streamline diagnosis and treatment for early-stage patients, but challenges remain in ensuring access to necessary medications. Rheumatic diseases affect 20% of the Polish population, highlighting the urgent need for improved healthcare resources.