Starting Sept. 1, more people will be able to access free medicines in Poland, with President Andrzej Duda signing a law on Tuesday that grants this right to additional groups of Poles.
The new regulations apply to children and young people up to the age of 18, as well as seniors who are 65 or older. Until now in Poland, free medicines were available to people over the age of 75. However, this group has now been significantly expanded.
“I am very pleased that a law has been prepared to expand the range of beneficiaries who will be able to receive medication, special dietary supplements and also medical treatments free of charge, commonly known as ‘free medication,'” said Duda.
The president also noted that efforts to make medicines more accessible to those who need them most began several years ago. The first law in this regard was introduced in Poland after the Law and Justice (PiS) party took power a few years ago. It enabled people over the age of 75, as well as pregnant women, to access free medicine.
“In the coming days, we will announce a list of medicines and very soon, people can directly avail themselves of these free medicines at their clinics,” stated Health Minister Katarzyna Sójka.
The law signed by Duda on Tuesday is part of a broader program to support Polish families. Expanding the list of free medications was one of the pre-election promises of the ruling party. The program is expected to be available to around 16 million Poles, and it is estimated to cost about 2.4 billion zloty (€538 million).
“When there is a deterioration or loss of health, the cost of treatment is high. Support from the Polish state is then needed for the family. It’s a matter of basic health security,” said Duda.
