Leaving no one behind in digital health: is Poland on the right track?

Abstract Since EU accession, Internet penetration in Poland has increased significantly and now reaches roughly 85 % of adults. Yet a digital divide persists: many seniors, rural dwellers, and low-income households remain offline or lack digital skills, hampering their access to modern public services, including healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital health adoption. After the first domestic case in March 2020, regulations were relaxed and reimbursement enabled so that primary‑care physicians and specialists could provide remote consultations nationwide. Remote visits were reinforced by the rollout of e‑prescriptions, e‑referrals, and electronic sick‑leave certificates. The Internet Patient Account (IKP) portal was simultaneously enhanced, giving citizens a single place to view prescriptions, test results, vaccination referrals, COVID certificates, and other medical documents, with all functions linked to the mObywatel mobile wallet. Currently, various strategies and initiatives are directed towards enhancing the inclusivity of digital services in the healthcare sector. Core services offer multiple access modes, e.g., consultations may occur via videoconference or ordinary telephone; e‑prescription codes can be delivered by SMS, email, or a printed slip; and referrals may be downloaded online or collected at a clinic counter. The Ministry of Health considers the initiation of the “Pharmacy as Digital Front Desk” programme, assuming the role of community pharmacies as walk‑in gateways where staff help patients open IKP accounts and connect them with remote consultations. Grass‑roots training initiatives, such as the “Lighthouse Keepers of Digital Poland” run by the Cities on the Internet Association, coach older adults in retrieving prescription codes, booking appointments, and navigating the portal. Taken together, these measures bring the perspective of reaching the stage of a digital health environment accessible to Polish citizens.