SLD to eliminate sick persons' funds if it wins parliamentary elections

Left Democratic Alliance (SLD) confirmed its will to dissolve sick persons' funds if it wins parliamentary elections this autumn, with a new health care system to be introduced within two years. The party intends to create just a few funds to replace 17 local ones now in operation, thereby reducing bureaucracy. It also opts for financing big investments in health care infrastructure from the state budget. These plans encounter serious opposition among Solidarity Election Action (AWS) representatives. "Reform is just beginning to bear results. Introducing new solutions now, when patients and doctors have already learned how to act under the system, is extremely irresponsible," said deputy health minister Anna Knysok. Nevertheless, as three of the leading parties, SLD, Civic Platform (PO) and Polish Peasants Party (PSL) all strongly disapprove of sick persons' funds, their demise is almost certain. (Zycie, pp.1, 3) M.K.