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Under communism, health care in Poland was virtually free, yet resources were often scarce and a private medical system flourished. Since the fall of communism, the government has worked to create a free, integrated, national health care system. People usually receive care through neighbourhood health clinics. Staff include family physicians, dentists, pharmacists and sometimes specialists such as chiropractors. Some doctors practise private medicine on a part-time basis; however, most are now public employees. Infants and mothers receive care in post-natal clinics, and new mothers can expect a lot of help from family and friends. Due to insufficient resources, Poland's health-care system suffers from many inadequacies. Health-care workers are well-trained, but heavily overworked. Facilities have long waiting lists for surgery and experience frequent shortages of beds, medicines and supplies. The cost of medication and other special services has been rising-a particular concern for people living on low incomes. Poles generally enjoy good health, with life expectancy at 72 years. Although the health of Polish people recovered after the war, beginning in the 1970s the mortality rate increased; cancer, respiratory problems and incidences of problematic births rose. Experts attributed these problems to high levels of air and water pollution, unhealthy working conditions, overcrowded housing, poor diets, inadequate health care, alcohol abuse and depression. In addition, new problems such as AIDS and drug addiction arose. The communist government ignored these problems; volunteer-initiated treatment centres for addiction opened in the 1980s and are now government supported.
Poland is famous for its spas, which attract millions of visitors. For centuries, these natural areas have offered mineral waters, mud baths and unusual climates that patients with a variety of ailments find restorative. Some springs are "specialized" and sought for their ability to relieve specific diseases. The water at Szczawno Zdroj, for example, aids respiratory, metabolic and digestive disorders. At Wieliczka, salt mines in use from the 13th century produce salt that is known for its rich mineral content; a special underground ward offers a healing atmosphere for people with asthma and other respiratory disorders.
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