Poland’s official government app mObywatel has introduced a practical update that allows users to download medical prescriptions directly to their devices and save them as PDF files, according to Spider’s Web – technologie.
The new functionality addresses a significant gap in the app’s offline capabilities. While mObywatel has long allowed users to access certain documents without an internet connection – including mDowód (digital ID card), mPrawo jazdy (driving licence) and vehicle registration details – its prescription service previously required network access.
The Recepty (prescriptions) feature enables users to view and check prescriptions issued by doctors, with an option to collect medication at pharmacies without stating their PESEL number aloud. Instead, patients can use a four-digit collection code or a QR code scanned by the pharmacist.
Solving connectivity problems at pharmacies
The update was developed to tackle situations where mobile phones cannot connect to LTE or 5G networks inside pharmacies. By downloading the PDF file in advance, users can check prescription details at any time, even when cellular or Wi-Fi access is unavailable.
The app already allows users to manage prescriptions for their own children and other individuals from whom they hold power of attorney, such as parents or in-laws. The ability to store these documents offline extends that convenience further.
According to the technology news site, the solution means patients will no longer be caught out by poor signal strength when trying to collect their medication.
Travel registration also available offline
The same update introduces a second offline feature for the Odyseusz travel registration service. Users who register their trips abroad through mObywatel can now save their registration details as a PDF document stored on their device.
The downloaded file includes information about the destination country and any warnings issued by Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This allows travellers to review their registered trip details even when they have no internet access.
mObywatel is designed as a comprehensive digital platform for Polish citizens, consolidating various official documents and government services in a single mobile application. The app has been progressively adding features, with recent updates focusing on improving login procedures and notification systems.
What this means for Poles in the UK
For Poles living in Britain who maintain healthcare links with Poland or visit family regularly, the updated mObywatel app offers practical benefits. If you receive prescriptions from Polish doctors during trips home, you can now download them as PDFs before returning to the UK, ensuring you have a permanent record that doesn’t depend on mobile connectivity.
The Odyseusz travel registration feature is particularly relevant for frequent travellers between the UK and Poland. Registering your trip with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the app allows consular services to contact you in emergencies. Being able to save that registration offline means you can access important safety warnings and contact details even when roaming charges make you reluctant to use mobile data, or when you’re in areas with poor coverage.
The app is free to download and requires Polish identity credentials to set up. If you hold Polish citizenship and travel between the UK and Poland regularly, it’s worth installing mObywatel before your next trip to take advantage of these offline capabilities. The ability to collect prescriptions using a QR code rather than verbally providing your PESEL number also adds a layer of privacy and convenience when dealing with Polish pharmacies.
