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Dear Mr. Minister,
Acting under the Petitions Act of 11 July 2014 (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 870), we hereby file a petition regarding Establishment of a Commission for Integrative Medicine, whose task will be developing solutions to regulate the status of integrative medicine in the Polish healthcare system. The aim of the Commission should be to start work on implementing the integrative medicine model based on current scientific evidence, international standards and proven system solutions.
Given the growing number of oncology patients and the limitations of the healthcare system, many patients in Poland turn to alternative treatment methods on their own, often without consulting a doctor and without appropriate medical supervision. This situation creates a serious threat to public health and leads to the creation of a grey zone of health services.
The lack of systemic solutions in the area of complementary therapies prevents verification of their safety and limits patients’ access to reliable information and experienced specialists. Additionally, it makes it difficult for doctors and therapists to implement effective methods supporting treatment, forcing oncology patients to undergo integrative treatment abroad – which is often associated with huge costs.
With the well-being of patients in mind, we appeal for the implementation of the integrative medicine model into the healthcare system in Poland.
Integrative medicine is an approach that combines modern conventional medicine with safe, effective and scientifically proven complementary therapies. Its aim is to provide the patient with comprehensive, individualized care: taking into account not only the somatic aspect of the disease, but also their mental, emotional and social well-being - based on scientific data.
Integrative medicine is an approach that combines modern conventional medicine with safe, effective and scientifically proven complementary therapies. Its goal is to provide the patient with comprehensive, individualized care: taking into account not only the somatic aspect of the disease, but also their mental, emotional and social well-being - based on scientific data.
It is not alternative medicine – the proposed methods do not replace conventional treatment, but support it, increasing the effectiveness and comfort of the patient. This is precisely why we are calling for regulation of this area – we want to clearly separate practices based on scientific research from activities that have no substantive basis. Only through appropriate standards and supervision will it be possible to eliminate harmful activities from the public health space and provide patients with access to effective and safe supportive treatment methods.
In renowned medical centers in the USA or Germany (e.g. Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin) An integrative approach is standard in the treatment of oncology patients. Scientific research confirms that the inclusion of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, nutritional counseling, relaxation techniques or meditation in conventional treatment brings a number of benefits: it improves the quality of life of patients, alleviates the side effects of therapy, supports mental health, offers a holistic approach to treatment and helps reduce costs and relieve the healthcare system.
We can no longer remain indifferent to this situation. The lack of legal and safe use of complementary therapies does not eliminate the problem – on the contrary, it pushes it into an unregulated zone. This state of affairs deprives people with the right to consciously choose their treatment path. At the same time, contrary to the assumptions of the new legislative regulations, it promotes the emergence of an uncontrolled zone of medical and pseudo-medical services.
Therefore, we appeal for taking action to systemically regulate and implement the integrative medicine model in Poland.
Scientific research confirms that the inclusion of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, nutritional counseling, relaxation techniques or meditation brings a number of benefits.
acupuncture, meditation or yoga, effectively reduce fatigue, neuropathy or sleep disorders.
reducing symptoms such as pain, nausea, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue.
Combining different treatment methods ensures fewer complications, side effects, faster recovery and return to health, and fewer re-hospitalizations.
focusing on the person, not just the disease, taking into account physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects.
by offering mental support to patients, it helps them cope with anxiety, depression and stress related to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Integrative medicine is gaining support from international institutions such as WHO and the European Parliament as an effective support for treatment. More and more countries are implementing it in their healthcare systems.
The European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2022 (2020/2267(INI)) emphasises that scientifically proven integrative medicine can bring benefits to patients in the treatment of chronic diseases, including cancer. The European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2022 (2020/2267(INI)) emphasises that scientifically proven integrative medicine can bring benefits to patients in the treatment of chronic diseases, including cancer.
World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024, highlighted the role of traditional and integrative methods in building more accessible, sustainable health systems (Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine). WHO emphasizes that scientifically validated integrative medicine recognized by public health authorities can benefit patients in alleviating and treating the concurrent effects of multiple diseases, such as cancer; emphasizes the importance of developing a holistic, integrative and patient-centered approach and encourages, where appropriate, the complementary use of these treatments under the supervision of health professionals.
On November 29, 2024, a meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine was held in Geneva, during which the directions of joint actions for 2025 were agreed. At the center of these actions will be the strengthening of cooperation and coordination between WHO member states in order to more effectively use the potential of traditional and integrative medicine for the benefit of public health.
Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and European Society of Integrative Oncology (ESIO) develop international standards, publish research and implement training programs for doctors and therapists.
An international study published in JNCI Monographs shows that an integrative approach to oncology – combining conventional and complementary therapies – can improve patients’ quality of life, alleviate treatment side effects and support mental health.
Source: Witt, CM et al. (2017). Integrative Oncology: International Perspectives. JNCI Monographs, 2017(52), lgx012
FUNDACJA ONKOLGICZNA RAKIETY (ROCKETS ONCOLOGY FOUNDATION)
The Foundation's account number at ING Bank Śląski:
52 1050 1025 1000 0090 3010 4252
SWIFT: INGBPLPW
IBAN: PL 52 1050 1025 1000 0090 3010 4252
NIP: 521-362-85-70
REGON: 146040727
The Foundation is a Public Benefit Organization,
registered under number
KRS: 0000414091
Al. Rzeczypospolitej 2 lok. U2
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