The 11th Health Challenges Congress 2026 in Katowice convened over 5,500 participants to discuss new strategies, digitalization, and systemic issues facing Polish healthcare.
New Strategies and System Diagnosis
The 11th Health Challenges Congress, held in Katowice under the theme “New Strategies for Health. Time to Redefine Goals and Challenges,” brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, public administration, the medical community, science, business, and patient organizations.
Over 50 sessions and debates, featuring more than 300 speakers, addressed key challenges including demographics, finances, new technologies, public health, and security.
A Decade of Debate on Polish Healthcare
Over the past eleven years, the Health Challenges Congress has become a significant forum for debate on the condition and future of Polish healthcare, attracting a growing number of participants and experts.
The event fosters direct engagement, perspective sharing, and cross-institutional dialogue.
Government Initiatives and Investment
“Since October, we have signed over a thousand agreements with the KPO and the Medical Fund, and hundreds of healthcare investments are underway across the country,” stated Minister of Health Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda.
She emphasized a shift from discussion to the implementation of concrete solutions addressing demographic challenges and the needs of an aging population.
Inaugural Session: Direct Dialogue with Decision-Makers
This year’s congress inauguration featured a new format based on direct question-and-answer exchange between key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Discussions covered treatment quality, funding methods, access to innovation, drug safety, deregulation, financial predictability, and patient responsibility for health outcomes, revealing a shared need for greater transparency and improved planning.
Digital Transformation: Resources and Implementation
A key theme during the E-health Challenges session was the realistic resources required for digital transformation in medical facilities.
Challenges in Digital Healthcare Implementation
Przemysław Jesionowski, CEO of IC Solutions, highlighted that the biggest challenges are not just technology or project numbers, but limited staffing, short implementation timelines, and the accumulation of tasks.
Krzysztof Groyecki, Vice President of Asseco Poland, noted that the scale and pace of digitalization are organizationally demanding, but the market possesses the necessary expertise, emphasizing the importance of experience, organizational support, and strong partnerships.
Building an Effective Hospital
A session on effective hospitals focused on defining a modern, well-managed facility.
Participants agreed that effectiveness should not be solely measured by cost or service volume, but by prioritizing patient needs and staff capabilities.
Youth Mental Health and System Pressures
Aleksandra Lewandowska, national consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry, stated that the crisis in child psychiatry has lessened due to the development of a new community-based care model.
However, she emphasized that the mental health crisis among young people remains a growing and significant problem.
The Role of Schools in Youth Health
Paulina Piechna-Więckiewicz, Deputy Minister of National Education, stressed that schools cannot independently solve all the health and social problems of young people.
She highlighted the role of education in prevention, early support, and creating a safe environment, but emphasized the need for specialized healthcare services.
Drug Safety: National and European Coordination
The congress addressed drug safety, with Mateusz Oczkowski, Director of the Department of Drug Policy and Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health, stating that affordability must be considered to ensure patient access to essential medications during crises.
He noted that Poland has developed solutions that position it as a leader in this area within the European Union.
Vaccination: Investment in Public Health
A session on vaccinations focused on both the effectiveness of programs and systemic barriers to their full potential.
Chief Sanitary Inspector Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski emphasized that vaccinations should be viewed as an investment in public health and long-term cost savings, advocating for universal access and centralized procurement.
Awards and Recognition
The congress included galas honoring individuals and initiatives that positively impact healthcare quality.
The Kobieta Rynku Zdrowia 2026 awards recognized 13 laureates from the ranking of the 100 most influential women in Polish healthcare, while the IX Konkurs Zdrowy Samorząd awarded local governments for effective health promotion programs.