The 23rd Economic Forum in Krynica – one of the most important economic events in Poland, annually hosting business and political leaders – was held between 3 and 5 September. As in previous editions, the Polish Insurance Association was a partner of the Forum and of its Healthcare Forum topic.

This year, the Association together with Lux-Med prepared a discussion panel entitled “Financial priorities of health economics – what will help the system? European models and Polish reality”, held on 4 September.

Discussion was focused on the issue fundamental for the entire healthcare system and health economics, i.e. implementation of common tools supporting financing, mainly additional health insurance. The panel constituted an opportunity to exchange opinions on the influence of the “queue to healthcare services” not only on the health of Poles, but also on the public funds, the Social Insurance Institution’s finances and the Polish economy. During the discussion, the participants noted that the public healthcare system inefficiency generates additional costs for the economy, as well as for the public finance system. The panel tackled also the issues of indirect costs reduction and introduction of solutions optimising the healthcare financing.

Among the participants of the discussion, moderated by Wojciech Szeląg, editor of Polsat News, were:

Zbigniew Derdziuk, President of the Social Insurance Institution

Dorota M. Fal, adviser to the Management Board of the Polish Insurance Association

Sławomir Neumann, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health

Agnieszka Pachciarz, President of the National Health Fund

Jan Grzegorz Prądzyński, CEO of the Polish Insurance Association

Anna Rulkiewicz, CEO of LUX MED

Christian Wards, Business Development Director, International Markets Development, Bupa