Sexism, verbal abuse and mental health challenges are pervasive in Poland's healthcare sector, according to a 2024 survey report published on Tuesday by the Polish Women in Medicine foundation (PwM). 

Nearly 60% of respondents—most of whom (90%) were women—reported sleep problems, while close to half acknowledged experiencing low self-esteem. 

Almost half of the surveyed experienced inappropriate treatment from their superiors, also during medical studies, and 40% felt anxious about their financial situation. 

All of this contributed to the many professionals experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

Jagoda Hofman-Hutna, the survey coordinator, told Poland’s state news agency PAP that “the results of the survey clearly show that the issue is real and mental health in Poland’s healthcare system is not great.” 

Julia Pankiewicz, a psychiatric resident and crisis intervention specialist, said that healthcare professionals carry the “burden of responsibility for human health and life,” while also being expected to continuously update their knowledge, make quick decisions and avoid errors. 

According to 2021 data from Poland’s statistical office (GUS), the country’s healthcare sector employs five times more women than men.  

In 2023, police statistics show that 5,233 people died by suicide in Poland, with men accounting for the vast majority of cases—4,404 deaths.