The Health Market Forum has been the most important platform for the exchange of views, experiences and knowledge between leaders of the Polish healthcare system for over two decades. This year's 21st edition of the event will be held under the slogan "Between laws and grassroots initiatives - how the healthcare system is really changing". Discussions undertaken as part of the Forum not only diagnose problems, but also indicate the directions of necessary changes - both legislative and organizational.
Every year, the event gathers over a hundred speakers and over a thousand participants - decision-makers, managers, experts, representatives of public institutions, medical companies and patients - who will jointly analyze the current state of the healthcare system in Poland.
Last year's edition of the Forum was attended by the Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna together with all her deputy ministers, which additionally emphasized the rank and significance of this meeting. Thanks to the presence of such a wide group of specialists and decision-makers, the Forum hosts lively, substantive discussions that enable the exchange of views and experiences, and consequently – the development of new strategies and solutions for the Polish healthcare system.
The Forum agenda has been divided into five main thematic areas.
I. HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT, FINANCING
The debate participants will analyze, among others, the hospital reform – balancing between the expectations of legislators and the reality of grassroots activities. There will be a key discussion on the financing of healthcare and the need to make strategic budget decisions. The discussions will also concern the pay scale for medical professionals and deregulation. The experts will also address the subject of drug safety and the availability of modern therapies.
II. DIGITALISATION, INNOVATION AND SECURITY
The dynamic development of technology is becoming an opportunity and a challenge for the system. During the Forum, real applications of AI in medicine, the development of the infrastructure of "hospitals of the future", progress in radiotherapy and e-registration will be discussed. Cybersecurity and management of facilities in the era of digital transformation will also have their place on the agenda. There will be topics such as medical robotics or challenges related to the introduction of e-health.
III. PATIENT AND INTEGRATED CARE
One of the pillars of the Forum were, are and will be sessions dedicated to the patient - from oncology and hematooncology, through cardiology, neurology, to rare, infectious or civilization diseases. Experts will discuss access to innovative therapies, the needs of integrated care and effective diagnostics. There will be no shortage of topics related to mental health, nutritional treatment, health insurance and the role of prevention.
IV. STAFF AND NEW MEDICAL PROFESSIONS
The reform of the system also means changes in the professional structure. During the Forum, the topics of new competences for pharmacists, nurses and physiotherapists will be discussed, as well as the safety of medical personnel in the context of legal regulations and organizational standards.
V. THE PHARMACY MARKET AND THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST
Pharmacies are increasingly becoming the first point of contact for patients with the health care system. The discussion will concern the role of pharmacists in the treatment and prevention process, as well as social and systemic expectations towards the pharmacy market.
21. The Health Market Forum is a place where legislative decisions meet the realities of everyday work of hospitals, clinics, patients and all participants of the system. The slogan of this year's edition - "Between laws and grassroots initiatives" - is an invitation to reflect on whether change in healthcare comes from above or rather from below - from the level of practice, courage and vision of those who create it every day.
We invite you to book a date and see you in October.
Klara Klinger
Editor-in-Chief, Rynek Zdrowia
Paulina Gumowska
Publishing Director, Grupa PTWP
Dorota Matysik
Health Sector Director, Grupa PTWP