THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS LICENSED TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN POLAND

Abstract

This article evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of change in the number of doctors licensed to practice medicine in Poland. The analysis was conducted in three periods: before the pandemic (2006–2019), during the pandemic (2020–2022) and after it ended (2023–2024). Data from Statistics Poland and statistical analysis methods were used, including the dependent t-test and calculation of effect sizes. The results revealed that the pandemic marked a significant turning point in prior trends: the average annual rate of change in the number of doctors increased markedly during the pandemic, and the difference relative to the pre-pandemic period was statistically significant. After the pandemic, further growth in the dynamics of change was recorded, but the difference compared to the pandemic period was no longer statistically significant. Spatial analysis indicated regional differences in the rate of change. The results demonstrate that the pandemic significantly accelerated the increase in the number of doctors, although sustaining this growth after it ended was less clear-cut. The findings of this article may be used for economic purposes in health policy planning, forecasting the costs of operating the healthcare system, and making decisions regarding the allocation of financial and human resources at the national and regional levels.