Can My Health Save Lives in Poland?

When was the last time you had a full health check? Maybe you’ve skipped a year, or three, thinking, “I feel fine; nothing hurts.” You’re not alone. Most adults overlook regular health check-ups, thinking they’re either unnecessary or too costly. But what if regular checks didn’t cost a penny?

This year, Poland rolled out “My Health” (Moje Zdrowie), a free healthcare initiative aimed at adults aged 20 and up. The government-backed program targets one clear goal: to encourage more people to manage their health before problems arise proactively.

Previously, Poland offered preventive health checks only for those over 40; even then, it was a one-time event. “My Health” transforms the approach completely. Adults aged 20 to 49 can participate every five years, while older adults can sign up every three years. Each session includes comprehensive tests, personalized health plans, and even follow-up visits with doctors to help participants make sense of their results.

Health minister Izabela Leszczyna put it plainly at the launch event, “We check children’s health regularly, yet adults often neglect themselves. We want preventive health to become second nature.”

And the process is refreshingly simple: participants complete a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle, family history, and mental wellness. This can be done online or in-person. Within 30 days, they receive tailored recommendations for tests covering everything from cholesterol levels and thyroid function to blood sugar. For those older, additional checks might include liver function or cancer screenings.

Health experts are upbeat about the program’s potential. Michał Sutkowski, head of Poland’s College of Family Physicians, praised it as a proactive, action-oriented approach. “The previous system was incomplete because it didn’t follow up after the tests. ‘My Health’ fixes this by actually guiding people toward healthier lifestyles,” he shared in an interview with MedExpress.

But while optimism is high, experts like Professor Łukasz Balwicki from the Medical University of Gdańsk also stress the importance of tracking how effectively the advice translates into real-life changes. “Getting people tested is just the first step,” he told Euractiv. “We need to see if patients genuinely adopt the recommendations.”

One challenge Poland must navigate is a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly nurses. The country currently has only 6.3 nurses per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the EU average of 9.1. With many healthcare workers nearing retirement, Poland urgently needs new professionals to step in.

This challenge underscores why preventive care is so vital; by catching health issues early, the strain on healthcare systems could lessen, freeing resources for critical cases.

So, how can you take part? Registration is straightforward. Visit the Internet Patient Account (IKP), use the Moje IKP app, or head directly to your local primary health center. After completing your questionnaire, you’ll receive a call to schedule your tests and doctor consultation within a month.

Participants also get personalized health plans, including vaccine schedules and preventive advice tailored to individual needs. The entire process is designed to foster long-term healthy habits rather than one-time fixes.

Poland’s healthcare spending is currently among the lowest in the EU, only 6.4% of GDP compared to the EU average of 10.4%. Despite limited resources, initiatives like “My Health” reflect a strategic investment: healthier citizens lead to a healthier economy.

Experts suggest that this program could reduce the number of people needing expensive treatments for preventable conditions in the future. Healthier communities mean more active, productive lives, a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Poland’s bold move raises a vital question for other countries: If Poland, despite budgetary constraints and healthcare shortages, can launch such an impactful program, what’s stopping others?

Imagine if every nation prioritized proactive health screenings for adults of all ages. Could regular, free healthcare screenings become the global norm rather than the exception?

Preventative healthcare doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Programs like “My Health” show how simplicity and accessibility can lead to significant improvements. By making routine check-ups a regular part of life, Poland’s approach isn’t just practical, it’s inspiring.

Perhaps it’s time we all started asking ourselves: when was the last time we truly checked in with our health?

Take the first step. Your future self will thank you.

What about you, would a free regular health check encourage you to act more proactively? Share your thoughts and experiences below.