Poland has surged to sixth place among European Union member states in digital health transformation, marking a significant leap that positions the nation ahead of several traditionally more technologically advanced peers, according to a newly released study.
The Digital Decade eHealth Indicator Study 2025 confirms Poland’s swift ascent, crediting government reforms that have modernized public health services and improved access to digital medical records. The assessment places Poland’s eHealth system at a “maturity level” of 92%, exceeding the EU average of 83% and setting the stage for future innovation.
Belgium and Estonia led the survey, each earning perfect scores, followed by Denmark, Lithuania and Malta. Ireland, by contrast, lagged far behind with just 25% maturity. The report covers data up to December 2024 and includes figures from Iceland and Norway.
“This accomplishment reflects our strategic investment in technology as a driver for efficiency and patient safety,” said Dariusz Standerski, Poland’s deputy minister of digital affairs and the official responsible for healthcare digitalization. “Our e-prescription system has virtually eliminated errors, and the Patient Online Account puts every citizen’s health information in their own hands.”
Rapid Advancement Amid Broader Structural Reform
Poland’s breakthrough is rooted in an aggressive push to overhaul legacy healthcare systems, which for decades relied heavily on paper records and fragmented patient data. The 12 indicators used to measure eHealth maturity revealed comprehensive improvements, with the Patient Online Account cited as a standout innovation.
The Patient Online Account is an online medical platform that allows all Polish citizens to access and share their health records securely. Parents and guardians can view information for dependents, while patients gain transparent control over their own treatment history—a major leap for privacy, patient autonomy and continuity of care.
Citizens now access nine types of digital documentation: e-prescriptions, referrals, diagnostic reports, laboratory results, individual treatment plans, hospital admission refusals, primary care data, and preventive exam records for students. While most features are fully integrated, some functionalities, such as the student preventive exam card, remain in development.
“Patients need reliable access to their records, but also flexibility in deciding who else can see them,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, who requested anonymity to discuss internal policies. “Our goal is to make these services universal, secure, and adaptable to family needs.”
Next Frontiers and Areas for Improvement
Yet despite Poland’s rapid gains, the study highlighted notable gaps that still separate the country from the EU’s most advanced systems. In particular, Polish patients cannot currently download or review diagnostic images from ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans online—only written reports are available. Experts say direct image access would promote transparency and accelerate treatment decisions.
The research also stressed the importance of automated, timely transmission of health data, both to patients and clinicians. Integration and interoperability remain essential to the next phase of Poland’s digital health development.
“Our ministries work closely to ensure all health platforms interact seamlessly,” Standerski said. “The Ministry of Health manages Patient Online Account, while we oversee mObywatel, the central app for government e-services. Each has its strengths, and our next challenge is smoother interoperability.”
Digital Services for a New Generation
Looking ahead, Poland is channeling resources from its National Recovery Plan—part of the EU’s post-pandemic stimulus program—into next-generation eHealth projects. Upcoming platforms include e-Registration for scheduling appointments, e-Consultation to connect specialists for real-time advice, and e-Home for remote monitoring of chronic and elderly patients. There will also be e-Profile, which acts as a digital warning system, alerting clinicians to changes in patients’ health status.
Officials say digitalization is strictly optional. Citizens will retain the ability to conduct healthcare business in person to avoid forcing technology on those uncomfortable with online services. Public education campaigns, such as the Intergenerational School, aim to familiarize older Poles with digital health tools.
“Digital healthcare should be an opportunity, not an obligation,” said Anna Kowalska, a technology coordinator involved in community outreach. “We want to make sure nobody is left behind as our systems evolve.”
Broader Significance for Europe and Beyond
Poland’s success in digital health positions it as a regional leader, offering a model for countries seeking to balance technology with inclusivity. The widespread adoption of the mObywatel app—now used by a third of adults—has demonstrated that convenience drives public acceptance.
Experts believe Poland’s sustained commitment could narrow the gap with Western Europe, which has long dominated digital health innovation.
“In the end, these reforms aren’t only about efficiency,” concluded Standerski. “They’re about dignity, autonomy, and empowering every Polish citizen to take charge of their health.”
With a robust technological backbone and ambitious plans for expansion, Poland is redefining public healthcare standards for a new digital era. As the nation readies the next wave of technical solutions, its experience offers lessons for both regional neighbors and global policymakers hoping to close the digital divide in health.
