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Poland launches free medical check-ups for over-40s

01.07.2021 08:00
A new programme of free medical check-ups for everyone over 40 is kicking off in Poland on Thursday.
Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski.
Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Gzell

The 40-Plus Prevention Programme aims to make Poles healthier by ensuring early detection and treatment for a broad section of the public, according to officials.

Millions of Poles over 40 years old will be able to take advantage of the new medical plan, which starts on July 1 and runs until the end of 2021.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has told reporters that the “40-plus prevention programme" is designed to "identify potential health risks and catch diseases at the earliest possible stage."

The bottom line is to ensure that "professional treatment is provided to all those in need as soon as possible," he said.

The 40-Plus Prevention Programme includes a set of screening tests for all those eligible, with separate packages for men and women, according to public health officials.

The initiative comes as the government promises to improve access to healthcare for patients after months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An ambitious "Polish New Deal" initiative unveiled by the country’s ruling conservatives in May provides for a massive cash injection into the national health system, with healthcare spending expected to rise to 7 percent of GDP by 2027.

Poland's ruling conservatives in October 2019 pledged to bring in a raft of new policies including free medical tests for everyone aged over 40.

(gs/pk)

Source: PAP