The emigration of young doctors, an aging population, and collapsing rural hospitals are fueling a deepening crisis in Poland. Data in 2025 show a physician shortage (over 30% vacancies in some regions).
Ukrainian physicians are helping to fill the gaps in Poland's public healthcare system, but tensions are rising. Several doctors lost their right to practice due to insufficient Polish language skills, and anti-Ukrainian sentiment among both patients and medical staff is growing.
Reporting in this project includes interviews with migrating doctors, patients in "health deserts," and policymakers.
