Szymon Hołownia, presidential debate: if the bill on personal assistance does not pass, we will leave the coalition

During the last debate, one of the key topics was health care. The discussion covered a wide range of issues: from financing the health care system, through issues related to abortion, to the catastrophic state of psychiatry in Poland and personal assistance. The candidates presented their proposals, differing in their approach to reforms and solutions. Here are the ideas politicians had for improving the health situation in the country.

Sławomir Mentzen, the Confederation candidate, sharply criticized the current healthcare system, condemning its inefficiency. According to him, the healthcare system based on the National Health Fund (NFZ) is a relic of the past, which is working worse and worse with each passing year. In his speech, he said:

In turn, Marek Woch, leader of the Non-Party Local Government Movement, also critical of the National Health Fund, described the institution as "unconstitutional" and proposed its simple liquidation.

One of the hottest topics of the debate, also oscillating around health care, was the issue of abortion, as well as the general rights of women to decide about their own bodies. Rafał Trzaskowski, the candidate of the Civic Coalition, emphasized the importance of women's freedom in making decisions about their health and life:

Szymon Hołownia from Trzecia Droga drew attention to the need to solve the problem of women's rights through a referendum, pointing out that politicians have not done anything about it so far. In response to these words, Sławomir Mentzen ruled out such an approach, saying:

Another important topic that emerged in the debate was the decline in psychiatry, especially in child psychiatry. On this issue, Rafał Trzaskowski sought common ground with Magdalena Biejat from the Left and proposed joint action:

In response, Biejat accused the coalition partner of inappropriate funding policy and sluggishness in action.

Magda Biejat, the candidate of the Left, highlighted the dramatic situation in this area:

- The crisis of psychiatry, especially child psychiatry, is shocking. The collapse has been going on for years and is the result of years of neglect. Until we increase funding for health care, we will do nothing about it.

In response, Rafał Trzaskowski drew attention to the actions he took in Warsaw, creating a network of psychiatric clinics:

In one of his statements he also pointed out that he had built the southern hospital, as well as an entire network of clinics, because, as he claimed, "we simply want to help and solve problems, not just talk about them."

Szymon Hołownia, on the other hand, pointed out how crucial the Personal Assistance Act is for Poland2050. Let us recall that personal assistance is not care, but individual support that helps people with disabilities in their daily functioning. It enables them to have an active social, educational and professional life, and for their loved ones to return to work. The lack of nationwide regulation means that access to these services depends on the place of residence, which deepens inequalities and limits the independence of many people.

– We will fight for personal assistance, even though the Minister of Finance is blocking this bill – announced Szymon Hołownia during the debate. And he threatened that if the bill is not adopted, his formation will “leave” the ruling coalition.

In the context of financing healthcare, various concepts have emerged. Adrian Zandberg from the Razem party postulated allocating 8% of GDP to healthcare, which would help solve the basic problems of the system. In turn, Artur Bartoszewicz stated that changing the amount of healthcare spending alone will not be enough if a deep reform of the system is not carried out.

Magdalena Biejat, a representative of the Left, proposed a specific plan to change the financing of the healthcare system:

However, Rafał Trzaskowski, reacting to these proposals, emphasised the role of public hospital reforms, pointing to his achievements in Warsaw, where he managed to find funds for hospital renovations and the purchase of medical equipment.

In the context of health policy, the topic of demography also appeared. Trzaskowski pointed out that the salvation from demographic catastrophe is to ensure a sense of security for women:

His statement was met with strong opposition from Karol Nawrocki of PiS, who pointed to the need to return to values ​​that promote life and support Polish families.