Poland: The state of health of Polish Roma, in particular whether Roma are prone to certain problems or whether they suffer from illnesses not common among the majority population; whether Roma have the same access to health care services as do ethnic Poles; the average life expectancy of a Polish Rom in comparison to the life expectancy of an ethnic Pole
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 8 March 2000 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | POL33897.E |
| Reference | 7 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Poland: The state of health of Polish Roma, in particular whether Roma are prone to certain problems or whether they suffer from illnesses not common among the majority population; whether Roma have the same access to health care services as do ethnic Poles; the average life expectancy of a Polish Rom in comparison to the life expectancy of an ethnic Pole, 8 March 2000, POL33897.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad7490.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) of the U.K. Home Office, "Polish Roma do not appear to have any health problems that are any different from those of the Polish population in general" (3 Feb. 2000). Adam Andrasz, Chair of the Centre of Roma Culture in Poland, stated that the poor housing conditions of Poland's Roma can cause unspecified health problems, noting for example that the health of a family's children can be affected when they are evicted from their home and have their heat and electricity turned off (18 Jan. 2000). Stanislaw Stankiewicz, Head of the Council of Polish Roma and chief editor of the newspaper Rrom p-o Drom, also noted that the poor standard of housing in which Roma live can cause health problems (13 Jan. 2000). Please see POL33588.EX of 25 January 2000 for details of the standard of living and housing concerns of the Romani community. The Ministry of the Interior makes reference to the "frequent alcoholism" of the Romani population (Dec. 1999, 6).
The Polish medical system has been undergoing decentralization since 1989, and in January 1999, separate health insurance funds were put in place for each of the 16 newly established regions (Harvard University Gazette 15 July 1999). These funds are supported by payroll taxes (ibid.). The International Market Insight Reports adds the following details:
In the new system [as of January 1999], there will be two financing sources: the insurance funds and the central budget. The mandatory, tax-deductible health insurance premium will amount to a 7.5% tax on individual income. The insurance fund will cover all dependents of the employee. Pensioners will pay for themselves, and the Treasury will pay for the care of orphans and persons on permanent welfare (24 Dec. 1998).
The term "permanent welfare" is not defined, nor is there information on coverage for individuals outside of these categories (ibid.).
The IND states that "not being regularly employed, the Roma do not benefit from the government's health insurance schemes and must pay their own medical and hospital bills" (3 Feb. 2000). Stankiewicz also noted that Roma are not covered by the non-universal government health insurance, and that treatment is expensive and often beyond the means of the Romani population (13 Jan. 2000). "In most cases, Roma have no medical insurance, no money for medication; they can't get specialized medical treatments" (ibid.). Stankiewicz characterized access to medical insurance, along with education, as among the top priorities of the country's Romani population, particularly for older Roma (ibid.).
The Ministry of the Interior states in its report, "Roma in Poland," that "the problems, as presented by Roma are: "poverty, poor housing and difficulties in access to medical care. Following the implementation of the fundamental reforms, i.e. the self-government, health care, social security and education reforms these matters are the special concern of the [local authorities] (Dec. 1999, 6).
An opinion quite often voiced in scientific reports and publications is that while the central authorities are quite well aware of the situation of the Roma population, and their attitude is marked by goodwill, local authorities do not actually understand the needs of the Roma population. They are an ethnic minority whose needs are inadequately recognised, etc. This causes a degree of disappointment within the Roma community. Local authorities are accused of not being sensitive to their specific problems (ibid.).
Further information on the state of health of Polish Roma, including their average life expectancy, could not be found within the time constraints of this Response.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Andrasz, Adam, Chair of the Centre of Roma Culture in Poland, Tarnow. 18 January 2000. Telephone interview.
Department of Citizenship, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Poland. December 1999. "Roma in Poland: The Main Problems Affecting Them and the Policy of the Authorities."
Harvard University Gazette [Boston]. William J. Cromie. "Harvard Helps Poland Establish New Health."
Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), Home Office, UK. February 2000. Version 4. Poland Country Assessment.
International Market Insight Reports [Singapore]. 24 December 1998. (NEXIS)
Stankiewicz, Stanislaw, Head of the Council of Polish Roma and chief editor of the newspaper Rrom p-o Drom, Bialystok. 13 January 2000. Telephone interview.
