In 2022, Poland allocated just 6.4% of its GDP to healthcare, significantly below the EU average of 10.4%, according to Eurostat data released on Friday. Per capita, Poland spent an average of €1,137 on healthcare, placing it ahead of only Romania (€858) and Bulgaria (€990) in the EU rankings.
The EU average spending per person reached €3,685 in 2022, marking a 38% increase compared to 2014, when Eurostat began its regular measurements. Luxembourg topped the list with €6,590 per capita, followed by Denmark (€6,110) and Ireland (€5,998).
Despite a €154 increase in per capita spending compared to 2021, Poland remains one of the EU’s lowest healthcare spenders. Meanwhile, countries like Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania have doubled their healthcare investments since 2014.
In terms of GDP share, Germany (12.6%), France (11.9%), and Austria (11.2%) led the EU, while Poland ranked near the bottom, alongside Romania (5.8%), Ireland (6.1%), and Luxembourg (5.6%).
Looking ahead, Poland’s 2025 budget projects public healthcare spending at 6.5% of GDP, with a goal of reaching 7% by 2027. However, challenges persist, as hospitals and experts warn of significant funding shortfalls. The Polish Employers’ Federation estimates that an additional €27 billion will be required in 2025 to maintain the current level of services, rising to €41 billion by 2026.