Polskie Towarzystwo Stomijne Pol-Ilko

The Polish Ostomy Association

Pol-Ilko was registered in 1987 although the history of the ostomates movement in Poland dates back to early 80s. The number of members as of 2008 is 500. The Association has 20 regional chapters with their own boards. The National Board is elected for four years terms. Pol-Ilko is a member of International Ostomy Association and European Ostomy Association.

The Polish insurance system is based on one national state owned insurance company - NFZ. Generally, all insured people are offered the same health protection. The private insurance companies still play a marginal role in the whole health care system.

Ostomy appliances and accessories are free of charge within a limited sum: colostomates - 300 PLN (approx. 90 EUR), ileostomates - 400 PLN (120 EUR), urostomates - 480 PLN (140 EUR). An ostomate needs a doctor prescription renewed every three months that has to be registered in NFZ.

Objectives:

• health care and promotion in the area of multifaceted ostomy issues,
• activities for disabled persons with ostomies,
• promotion and organization of a mutual help movement for ostomates,
• undertaking actions aiming at a fully active life of ostomates,
• bringing comprehensive help in quick recovery to ostomates, especially psychological support to new ostomates and their families,
• raising and broadening social sensitivity to ostomtes' problems and promoting the idea of helping ostomates.

Contact information:

E-mail : polilko@polilko.pl

Website: www.polilko.pl