Diabetes in Poland: more patients, fewer diabetology clinics
An expert from the Medical University of Warsaw's University Clinical Centre warns that access to a diabetologist under the National Health Fund (NFZ) is worsening. Clinics are being closed, and new ones are not being opened, despite the growing number of patients.
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Fewer diabetologist appointments available
In Poland, access to a diabetologist under the NFZ (National Health Fund) is becoming increasingly difficult. According to Prof. Leszek Czupryniak from the University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, diabetes clinics are being closed while new ones are not being opened, even though the number of patients is growing (Cukrzyca w Polsce. Prof. Leszek Czupryniak alarmuje: Coraz więcej pacjentów, coraz mniej poradni – Rzeczpospolita).
Why there are fewer clinics
The specialist points to the valuation of diabetology services in the NFZ benefits basket. In his view, it is too low for facilities to sustain their operations and take on more patients. Prof. Czupryniak calls for it to be raised in order to encourage healthcare providers to remain in the system and to increase the number of clinics.
What this means for patients
When there are fewer clinics, the queue to the primary doctor treating a patient with diabetes grows longer. People who require regular monitoring of glucose levels, treatment adjustments, and screening for complications wait longer for an appointment. The expert warns that closing facilities makes it harder to detect and control the disease early, which affects its further course.
What comes next
If the valuation is not changed, the closure of clinics may continue. Prof. Czupryniak appeals to decision-makers to act quickly, before access to specialists deteriorates further.
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