Polish healthcare system one of the worst in Europe

Poland is ranked 31st out of 36 countries included in the 8th edition of Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), an independent monitoring of European healthcare systems issued by the Health Consumer Powerhouse, a Sweden-based think-tank.

Poland is one of the few countries whose this year's result is worse than in the previous year. The only two EU countries which are ranked lower are Lithuania and Romania.

The index, which consists of several factors, is based on waiting times, results, and funding.

“Poland's ailing healthcare system can not be excused by the economic crisis, as the Polish economy is in a good shape. Poland must get a grip and deal with issues such as long waiting times for cancer patients, hospital-acquired infections, it also needs to restore justice in the healthcare, lift abortion ban and rebuild drug prevention treatment and care, among others. One of the few advantages of the country's healthcare is a cardiac care,” said Arne Björnberg, head of the think-tank.

The Netherlands tops the ranking, followed by Switzerland, Norway and Finland.