Lack of doctors in emergency medical service biggest problem in Polish system
Staff shortages remain the greatest problem facing Poland’s emergency medical system, according to the Supreme Audit Office. In nine of ten inspected emergency departments, some doctors worked continuously for more than 24 hours, with one physician completing a 144-hour shift. Ambulance dispatch centers were also understaffed, while response-time limits were frequently exceeded because no emergency teams were available. Only 3.4% of emergency department doctors specialized in emergency medicine.
The audit also found that nearly half of patients visiting emergency departments did not require urgent medical care, yet they were rarely redirected to primary care. Inspectors warned that excessive workloads, staffing gaps, and overcrowding undermine both patient safety and the system’s effectiveness.
