Everything is free at the spa: treatments, food, and sleeping. Sanatorium rules subject to change
Author: prepared by JKB • Source: Rynek Zdrowia • Published: August 16, 2025 10:23
According to the announcement by the Minister for Senior Policy, there are four ideas involving sanatoriums. These include proposals for free stays for people aged 75 and over and the creation of day care centers. For now, the ministry must await support from the Ministry of Health.
Let us remind you: the proposals for changes in the rules regarding sanatoriums were prepared by the national consultant in the field of balneology and physical medicine, Aleksandra Siedzik, MD, PhD.
On June 25, during the meeting of the Parliamentary Group for Supporting the Development of Spas and Spa Municipalities, these proposals were presented to the then Minister for Senior Policy, Marzena Okle-Drewnowicz.
As Dr. Siedzik reported, there is currently only one type of support available, which involves three treatments per day during a three-week stay. The consultant pointed out that for some seniors, a program with so many treatments may be too burdensome.
Important rules of the new health resort plan:
- Seniors would have a different program in sanatoriums, with less incentives,
- The second change would be the possibility of going to sanatoriums also for dependent people and people with disabilities,
- The third change involves a free stay in a sanatorium,
- The fourth change is the creation of day care homes where seniors could receive treatments on a daily basis, but would also be provided with meals, occupational therapy and integration.
Under the current situation, the costs of treatments are covered by the National Health Fund, and patients pay for accommodation and meals. Dr. Siedzik commented that "since we have free medications for people aged 65 and over, such free health resorts would be a great support."
"The health resorts themselves are under the Ministry of Health. My role is lobbying and supportive, and I can fulfill it," Okła-Drewnowicz reportedly declared.
She also explained that she would organize a meeting with a committee consisting of representatives from the ministries of health, digital affairs, and family. This would allow for a discussion on which changes could be implemented in health resorts that would benefit seniors.
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