Poland’s experience on the integration of Ukrainian health workers: valuable learnings for Europe

Abstract

To facilitate the access to practice medical professions, in 2022 Poland introduced simplified procedures, one which was active until 30 June 2023 for paramedics, and another one until 25 October 2024 for doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives. The simplified path for a defined scope of professional activities, time and workplace remains in force. These measures do not equate to full practice rights. However, they offer a 5-year period when holders of Ukrainian medical diplomas may seek nostrification/passing verification exams as well as final exams, have their postgraduate internships recognized, and obtain a Polish full professional license. Since 25 October 2024, a two years’ professional practice in Poland within the simplified procedure can be recognized as equivalent to a postgraduate internship. Additional support for Ukrainian medical workers included a hotline for requirements and documentation, free Polish language courses for basic and medical vocabulary, a free e-learning course on the Polish healthcare system, and the LikarPL app for patients and doctors. In 2022, Ukrainian medical students could continue their studies in Poland under the Solidarity with Ukraine program. Since 2023, a branch of Kyiv Medical University in Bytom offers medicine, dentistry and pharmacy programs under Ukrainian law. Not all stakeholders welcomed the above measures, as some caused systemic challenges. Ultimately, it may be valuable for other European countries to analyze these challenges.