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Objective: The aim of this paper is is to present the assumptions of the Value Based Healthcare concept, the related benefits and examples of countries in which the concept is implemented. The article also proposes solutions based on the VBHC model that could be implemented in the Polish healthcare system., Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed via Ovid database using the following keywords: Gray literature items were also analyzed using the Google Scholar tool and other documents, eg of the European Commission. Then the work was divided into the following thematic areas: definitions and principles of VBHC, benefits and challenges related to the implementation of the model, VBHC in Europe, recommendations for solutions in Poland based on VBHC. Value Based Healthcare (VBHC) is a healthcare financing model developed by M. Porter and E. Teisberg. It is based on the assumptions of financing healthcare providers based on treatment outcomes, that is, values. This concept was created in connection with the constantly growing costs in the American healthcare system, which, however, did not translate into health indicators in the population. The aim of VBHC is to minimize the cost of the system while achieving the best result for the patient. In this model of healthcare organization, it is assumed that those healthcare providers who provide the best quality care should be best financed, thus contributing to cure or significantly improving the quality of life of patients., Conclusions: Value Based Healthcare is the recommended method of financing due to the optimization of healthcare expenses while maintaining the appropriate quality of services provided to patients. Currently, many countries in Europe and around the world have started implementing this system solution. However, the transition from a service charge to value for money model is a complex process. In the authors' opinion, the longterm benefits of such a financing model bring a significant improvement in the quality of services and patient satisfaction., (© National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene.)

Objective: The aim of the paper is to present in a synthetic way the sin tax tool, the mechanisms of its functioning, challenges related to the tool and examples of the application of this tax in selected countries., Material and Method: In accordance with Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System guidelines, a review of literature in the PubMed and Cochrane scientific databases was conducted on the basis of search searches. They searched grey literature and institutional documents of health organizations and legal acts of selected countries that introduced sin tax in the period since 2005., Results: Sin tax is a public health tax that aims to reduce the negative health attitudes of the population through the use of a price regulation mechanism. In order to prepare an effective economic tool, it is important to model it properly. Today, 35 countries around the world have introduced an additional tax on tobacco products, which is wholly or partly used for health care. In 9 countries, targeted taxes have been introduced on a component whose excessive consumption adversely affects health (sugar, salt, fats)., Conclusions: Sin tax is a tool that, if properly implemented, can contribute to changing consumer behaviour and thus have a positive impact on the health of the population. It should be remembered that decisions taken at the central level, especially those concerning the introduction of new taxes, should be supported by reliable analyses. Although sin tax is undoubtedly an effective and increasingly widely used tool, it is not free from defects. One of its major drawbacks is its regressive character and potential negative social perception., (© National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene)

Admission: Untreated eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Most people suffering from visual impairment is in the age group above 50 years of age. As many as 82% of people in this group is suffering from eye diseases., Objective: The aim of this work was to present the epidemiology of eye diseases and state of infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland., Material and Methods: Based on data by WHO prepared review of world and Polish literature on issues in the field of ophthalmology and epidemiology of eye diseases. On the analysis developed epidemiological situation of the most common eye diseases--cataract, glaucoma and AMD--leading to loss of vision in Poland. Using databases CSIOZ, the Central Statistical Office and WHO listed infrastructure resources of ophthalmology in Poland., Results: The main eye diseases leading to blindness indicated cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In 80% of cases, vision loss can be avoided by early detection and treatment., Conclusions: Prevention and early detection is an essential tool for reducing the incidence of blindness, especially in elderly.