The article presents the formation of healthcare in Poland during the country’s transformation period. While they have not translated into improved effectiveness and rationality in the sector, the main directions of the reforms that have been carried out are characterised. Analysis of the main factors determining the functioning of the system, especially resource, legal-organisational and financial ones, suggests that the question of healthcare has a macro-social and lasting character, and a speedy resolution by the government does not appear to be possible for the foreseeable future if a new target healthcare model is not found and implemented.