ABC Medicover, opened in Poland in 1995, and is a private health care company offering a full range of coordinated medical services to individuals and families on a prepaid basis. ABC Medicover is a working partner with Keiser Permanente, the oldest and largest U.S.-based health plan. Paul Lenz, Managing Director 5. Medical equipment for public hospitals and clinics is financed from the central budget and it is purchased through a competitive bidding. Private clinics can purchase medical equipment independently from any source they wish or through any trading organization they choose.
Price is the main factor considered by most potential buyers.
Local availability of service and spare parts, as well as high quality and short delivery terms is also important. Modern medical equipment and apparatus represented the majority of the purchases. The public health care sector favors foreign suppliers in the bidding process. Domestic production is limited to basic diagnostic equipment, hospital furnishing and equipment, surgical instruments, and disposable items. Polish manufacturers are not very competitive because of high production costs, lack of modern technology, low quality products and lack of marketing skills and resources.