Poland Ranks Seventh in EU for Hospital Beds Amid Healthcare Reforms

Poland maintains a relatively high number of hospital beds compared to many European Union countries, ranking seventh with 507 beds per 100,000 population in 2024. However, this figure represents a continued decline across the EU, where the average has fallen from 582 beds in 2009 to 507 in 2024. This trend is largely driven by medical advancements leading to shorter hospital stays and a shift towards outpatient and day procedures.

While Poland's bed count remains above the EU average, the healthcare system faces significant challenges. The Ministry of Health is working on a health needs map to address an aging population and determine regional hospital requirements, which will also inform medical staffing needs. Simultaneously, hospitals are undergoing restructuring and consolidation processes, supported by over 1 billion Polish zloty from the Medical Fund.

These consolidation efforts have led to the closure or suspension of hospital departments, including maternity wards. Since January, eight maternity units have closed, and eight others have suspended operations. This situation leaves some women, particularly in regions like Podkarpacie, with travel times exceeding an hour to reach the nearest obstetrics and gynecology department, affecting approximately 11,000 women of reproductive age nationwide.

Compounding these issues are persistent financial and staffing problems within hospitals. A report from the Association of Polish Counties indicates that over 90% of powiat (county) hospitals ended the previous year with a financial loss, and more than 60% had overdue liabilities. These systemic issues, rather than poor management, are cited as the cause. Additionally, hospitals struggle to recruit and retain sufficient medical staff, particularly doctors, to meet operational requirements and outpatient service demands. Recent reports of excessive working hours and high earnings for medical professionals have prompted the Ministry of Health to consider limiting doctors' working hours.