Poland launched Moje Zdrowie (“My Health”), a landmark free preventive care programme offering comprehensive health checks to all adults over 20, in a bid to tackle the country’s high rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, Euractiv reported.
Replacing the earlier Profilaktyka 40 Plus scheme, the initiative broadens access to younger demographics while aiming to shift Poland’s “sick care” model toward early detection.
The programme’s cornerstone is a detailed health questionnaire, accessible via GP practices or online through the Internet Patient Account (IKP). Covering lifestyle habits, mental health, and family medical history, it includes questions such as “Do you engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week?” and screens for depression or dementia risks in older adults.
Based on responses, participants receive tailored test recommendations—from basic blood panels to immunochemical tests (FIT-OC) for over-50s—with results reviewed in a 30-day follow-up consultation.
During the sessions, clinicians measure BMI, waist-hip ratios, and cognitive function (for over-60s), while providing personalised health plans, vaccination schedules, and lifestyle advice. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna emphasised the cultural shift needed, as adults often neglect their own health.
While lauded for its accessibility, the programme faces scrutiny over long-term impact. Professor Łukasz Balwicki, a public health consultant, noted that while follow-up consultations are a “critical advantage,” the scheme lacks mechanisms to track whether patients act on recommendations.
The initiative also risks skewing toward the “worried well,” as high-risk groups—often poorer, less health-literate populations—may not engage.
Under the scheme, adults aged 20–49 qualify for screenings every five years, while those over 49 can access them every three years. However, participation requires a 12-month gap since the last Profilaktyka 40 Plus check.
With Poland’s life expectancy lagging behind the EU average and preventable diseases driving mortality, the success of Moje Zdrowie hinges on sustained patient engagement and whether the state can bridge the gap between diagnosis and lasting behavioural change.
