August 20, 10:00 a.m. – all primary care physicians (POZ) have certainly written this date in their calendars. This is exactly when the application process for EU subsidies begins. And there will be over a billion złoty to spend. What do those who treat us every day dream of and what obvious things do they sometimes lack?
Doctor Magdalena Praczukowska, head of the clinic in Dobrzyniewo Duży in Podlasie, shows “Fakty” what investments she is preparing for.
– We have, for example, an ECG machine, which we intend to replace with a new one. It will certainly serve patients better, it will diagnose better. We also have equipment for such analyses on site – says Magdalena Praczukowska, head of the PRAMEDICA Family Physician Clinic in Dobrzyniewo Duży. This concerns equipment for express blood tests, which is also already due for replacement.
Dr. Marek Szewczyk in the family doctor's office in Kąty Wrocławskie will definitely replace the computer. Right now, he is working on such an old one that he cannot install new software. Besides, the computer is just the beginning of his shopping list.
– We need to replace the lamps, here we had a wonderful lamp that broke down. And of course, improving the IT system – lists doctor Marek Szewczyk from the “Kama” Clinic in Kąty Wrocławskie.
How much money can healthcare facilities receive for modernization?
IT systems are the thing that ages the fastest in medicine, so the change here will be gigantic.
– We want to replace them with better ones with the possibility of using artificial intelligence – says Magdalena Praczukowska.
The progress in Polish healthcare over the last 20 years has been “unprecedented”Marek Nowicki/Fakty TVN
Artificial intelligence in the analysis of tests and recording of patient data, ECG and ultrasound machines, holters, dermatoscopes. There will also be funds for interior renovations – for example, separating an infectious zone. Each small office will be able to receive up to PLN 300,000 for modernization. Larger ones – more.
– Undoubtedly, purchasing equipment under a contract for such a small clinic as ours is financially impossible. Therefore, these funds will enable additional equipment and an increase in the scope of services for patients. Great – assesses Joanna Szeląg, a specialist in family medicine.
The mobilization in the medical community is huge
The news that this is a great thing has spread like wildfire among family doctors. Everyone wants to get this money. That is why, despite it being the middle of the holidays, the mobilization in the medical community is huge.
– Yes, we have made such a decision, we will try to obtain this support – announces Marek Szewczyk. – Recruitment starts on August 20 at 10 a.m. – informs Magdalena Praczukowska.
– The interest from facilities is very high. Today, the first webinar took place, with 1,500 facilities participating. We are organizing the next one on Tuesday, August 13 – says Jakub Gołąb from the Ministry of Health.
The National Health Fund will pay the money from European Union funds.
– This is a breakthrough, because it is the first fund dedicated to Primary Health Care. It really took a few years to convince many decision-makers to create such a fund – emphasizes Jacek Krajweski, president of the “Porozumienie Zielonogórskie” Federation.
Thanks to this, we, the patients, will benefit. It will simply be possible to perform many tests faster, easier and in better conditions.
Main image source: TVN24