[Transformation of ownership in occupational health services]

The process of the ownership transformation in occupational health services began in 1991. At that time Section X of the Labour Code was amended by introducing the system according to which employers participate in the costs of organization of occupational health services and other expenditure involved in health care of their workers. In addition, the Health Service Institutions Act of August 30, 1991 prepared the ground for the organization of health care units by various economic subjects including employers if the responsibility for taking care of workers' health is included in the statute of such a unit. From 1992 the process of the ownership transformation in occupational health services has started to progress. New non-public occupational health care units began to be established mainly by numerous institutions. In 1992 already 62 units were set up in six voivodships (provinces). In 1993 their number increased to 306 and they were located in 20 voivodships. The analysis of facilities and activities of non-public occupational health care units, based on the data available, indicated, however, that the process of the ownership transformation has not satisfied to date all expectations concerning the change in the quality of services rendered. Although these new units have not been established by the state administration their activities show similar week points as those belonging to the old system of industrial health services. Still treatment accounts for 80% of their activities, secondary care represents almost the same standard as in the public health service sector.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)