Brexit continues to appear to be a future and uncertain event. Nevertheless, let us look at it
from the point of view of Polish health care. Firstly, almost one-million- population of Poles in
the United Kingdom, even after partial repatriation, will continue to live on the Isles. Up till
now, due to EU regulations on coordination, while paying a visit to their old homeland they
could use the English EHIC card in the event of sudden illness. In the grim scenario, without
England and the European Union reaching agreement in the Norvegian style, it would be
necessary to either conclude a bilateral agreement or issue relevant unilateral national
regulations. Conclusion of a bilateral agreement might pose a challenge to any English
government – as it was exactly the social and healthcare benefits offered to Poles starting
work in the UK that were among the main causes for the decision of the British voters. Polish
budget will have to come to the rescue, which will be actually in line with the announced
transition from the health insurance system to budget funding of health care.
It would be worth mentioning here that the announced changes in Poland go further in the
direction of the British NHS, thus taking a step back from the insurance models in Germany
and France. In this respect, Poland may actually replace England and represent a centralised,
health care system funded from the state budget, within the European Union.<br>
The system has got two defining characteristics: lower financing in relation to the Gross
Domestic Product (although the amounts are higher than in Poland) and lower level of
meeting patient needs. The UK ranks 13th in the Euro Health Consumer Index, not only
behind France and Germany but also … the Czech Republic.
Another two questions will be of larger significance: questions about patients and medical
staff. This is a straightforward case as regards patients. Those who will remain British
residents, will remain the beneficiaries of this system due to its form. What will happen to
others will depend on the effectiveness of Polish diplomacy during divorce negotiations. The
bar is set really very high – as the example of Norway will be the point of reference.
In the case of the NHS staff the situation is even simpler. Due to the shortage of staff they are
not likely to have to look for a new job. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to assess the
impact of recession that is likely to follow Brexit on the NHS finances. The chances that the
funds saved in contributions to the EU will be spent on health care were questioned, despite campaign promises, by the leader of the
anti-EU UKIP party, Nigel Farage himself . It could be interpreted as follows: despite
obvious needs, there will not likely be funds for new posts for physicians and nurses …
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