Poland Moves Forward with Special Geriatric Care
On September 4, President Andrzej Duda signed the law establishing special geriatric care. The statute outlines the aims, organization, and operation of dedicated elder care for individuals aged 75 and older.
The reform intends to shift geriatrics toward an environmental model, bringing medical services close to where seniors live. New treatment centers will enable more than 75 health centers to deliver a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating elderly patients.
Special geriatric care, as defined by the law, will be provided in hospital geriatric departments, in 75+ health centers, and through primary health care services.
The law, under the president’s initiative, details the objectives of the newly created geriatric care network. It aims to preserve the highest possible functional capacity and independence among seniors, ensure legally specified health services, plan and coordinate care, promote preventive and health-education activities, and provide psychological support.
The operation of geriatric facilities in each voivodeship will be grounded in a plan prepared by the voivodeship and approved by the Minister of Health.
To guarantee service quality, the law sets minimum bed numbers for geriatric wards and defines the geographic scope’s population limits for each center’s operating area.
Addressing Challenges
Poland currently has 2.7 million residents aged 75 or older, about 7 percent of the population, with women disproportionately represented. Projections indicate growth in the coming years.
During the signing ceremony, President Duda emphasized the ongoing demographic shift and the need for systemic solutions in geriatric care.
The ceremony at the Medical Center for Postgraduate Education in Warsaw was attended by Health Minister Katarzyna Sójka, alongside members of the President’s Chancellery and CMKP. Duda recalled early discussions with experts that underscored the urgency of establishing a regulatory framework capable of building a national geriatric care network.
Experts estimate that by 2040 about 14 percent of the population will be 75 or older, rising to 16.5 percent by 2050. The president noted that the current supply of geriatric wards is insufficient to meet the future needs.
He stressed that the goal is not merely hospital-based care but to minimize the need for constant, round-the-clock intervention. A key element is a network of more than 75 health centers that will include geriatric care coordinators and consultants, offering access to care while also providing advice, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
President Duda expressed hope that over the first years more than 300 such centers would be established nationwide, building a robust framework for geriatric care.
New Quality in Polish Healthcare
The Special Geriatric Care Act is seen as introducing a new standard in Polish health services. It is designed to help seniors remain active and connected within their communities for as long as possible. The president suggested that the age threshold could be revisited in the future as the system proves its effectiveness.
Signage of the act highlighted its gradual, incremental implementation. The president noted that the discussion around the bill spanned a long period, with various proposals debated and adjusted to ensure the system would function smoothly when expanded.
There was particular attention to how the law balances broad coverage with practical scalability, avoiding an abrupt transition that would overwhelm the system. The evaluation of similar programs, such as free medicines for seniors, provided a precedent for lowering age limits when warranted by outcomes.
In his remarks, the president affirmed that this law would bring a qualitatively new level of care, enabling older residents to remain in the country and with their families for longer. The initiative is framed as a long-term investment in the health and well-being of the elderly population.
Comprehensive Approach
Health Minister Katarzyna Sójka described the act as completing a comprehensive strategy for elder care. She underscored the goal of delivering coordinated, interdisciplinary care that provides security for the elderly and their families.
She highlighted the system-wide benefits of improved local accessibility and community involvement, stressing that the 75+ health centers will play a central role in coordinating services across different levels of care. The minister pointed to additional programs, including free medicines for seniors and the expansion of 75+ centers, as foundational elements that contribute to safer, more complete care for the aging population.
The broader aim is to ensure that care remains person-centered, with attention to medical, social, and psychological needs—an approach that integrates treatment with prevention and supportive services.
Source: wPolityce