Costs of illness higher than what NFZ pays
Breast cancer and retinal diseases such as AMD and DME cost Poland’s economy nearly PLN 27.5 bln in 2024, according to EconMed Europe reports. Experts argue that NFZ spending shows only part of the real burden, as illness also affects work, productivity, families and personal finances. Breast cancer generated PLN 18 bln in total costs, with NFZ covering 20%, while AMD and DME cost more than PLN 9.4 bln, with NFZ covering just 8%.
Indirect costs were the largest share: 73% for breast cancer and nearly 85% for retinal diseases. These include sick leave, reduced productivity, unpaid care and lost income. Experts say effective treatment should be seen as an investment in the economy.
