Demographic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Polish regions and health policy

Abstract

The main purpose of the article is to juxtapose the demographic impact of the pandemic and the real-time actions and health policies that were remodeled as a result of the outbreak. The subject of interest of the Authors is Poland. However, a broader European background is outlined when discussing the actions of international institutions. In addition to the cognitive dimension of the article, the Authors wanted to draw attention to methodological problems. It seems that one more effect of the pandemic is to expose the methodological inconsistency at the national and European levels when it comes to issues of medical statistics and quality of life more broadly. The analysis of statistical materials carried out clearly showed that in the overwhelming number of administrative units (provinces/counties) there were recorded, very unfavorable phenomena from the demographic point of view. The pandemic definitely worsened the situation in the level of health, as evidenced by the increase in deaths, especially excess deaths, unrelated to COVID-19. As a consequence of these events, an increase in health debt was observed, which is the result of the obstruction of the public health system, making it difficult for citizens to access effective medical care and treatment.

The negative changes brought about by the pandemic require government intervention in social policy, including health policy. Undoubtedly, in the near term, measures should be taken to improve the level of health of the Polish population. Given the narrowed reproduction (as a result of the increase in COVID-19 and excess deaths), the second important area of intervention is fertility. But since the demographic transition is a complex and long-term process, it is important to be aware that the interventions undertaken (even if effective) have limited power of impact, and their effects will be deferred over time.