Poland's President, Andrzej Duda, has endorsed a legislative proposal that will provide free medicines to children and young individuals up to the age of 18, as well as senior

citizens over the age of 65. This move, part of a comprehensive benefits package pledged by the ruling conservative party, was signed into law by President Duda at a special ceremony in Warsaw on Tuesday.

The initiative, which gained parliamentary approval, is set to benefit approximately 11.5 million Polish citizens. Among them are around 7 million children and youths who will now have access to free medication. Previously, only senior citizens above the age of 75, totaling 4 million people, were entitled to free medicines, as reported by the Polish state news agency PAP.

With this new law in effect, the number of eligible individuals is expected to rise to around 16 million. The program's annual budget will amount to PLN 2.4 billion (approximately EUR 540 million or USD 580 million), according to statements from the Polish government.

Moreover, the scope of the program will be significantly broadened. The range of medicines covered will nearly double, encompassing a total of 4,000 different medications, as indicated by officials. Photo by Jakub Szymczuk, Wikimedia commons.