The parliament has passed a law on the National Oncology Network. The law stipulates that every patient - regardless of where they live - will be provided with oncological care based on the same diagnostic and therapeutic standards. April 1, 2024 is the cut-off date for the creation of specialized Level I, II and III oncology treatment centers within the National Cancer Network. The structure of the NSO will be made up of specialized oncology treatment centers (so-called SOLOs) of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd security levels of oncology care of the NSO, together with centers of competence, satellite centers and cooperative centers. Qualification for the various security levels of KSO oncology care will be based on criteria that will refer, among other things, to the number and qualifications of medical personnel and to the diagnostic and therapeutic potential that ensures adequate quality and safety of the services provided. Treatment entities that are not included in the NSO will not be able to provide oncological care under a contract with the National Health Fund for the provision of publicly funded services. However, the solution will not apply to the diagnosis or treatment of blood cancers, services provided to persons under 18 years of age and the provision of services as part of an emergency admission.
A National Monitoring Center for the National Oncology Network will be established, which will develop and update guidelines for diagnostic and treatment management in oncology, also based on knowledge from foreign centers. It is also intended to provide comprehensive oncological care throughout the country, and the various stages of treatment are to follow strictly defined standards, with the cooperation of specialists in various fields.
Entities that will be included in the National Oncology Network will be required to appoint a coordinator for each patient. A national oncology hotline will be established - it will provide information about the organization of oncology care within the NSO, including the possibility of obtaining health care services. Novum in the public system will be the obligation to conduct a systematic assessment of patient satisfaction. This will make it possible to make adjustments to the oncology care system in a way that meets patients' expectations. According to available data, 182,500 patients will develop cancer in 2020. According to the forecast of the National Cancer Registry, an increase in incidence is expected in the coming years.
