What are the three most common mistakes made when purchasing medical equipment in Poland?

mplementing medical investments is a process that requires thoughtful planning, where purchasing decisions have a real impact on team performance, facility costs, and ultimately clinical efficiency.
But how does it look in practice?
Most often, three recurring assumptions appear — and they are the ones that later complicate the entire project.

1.⁠ ⁠Does the most expensive equipment mean the best investment? Or should you choose the cheapest option?

From a practical standpoint, the most important factors are:
– technical parameters,
– the real needs of the medical staff (who will be using the equipment and often have specific preferences),
– operating costs and the availability of service support in the country.

A thorough market analysis, comparison of offers (not only the cheapest ones), and a detailed technical–cost assessment clearly show what truly makes sense from an investment perspective. This ensures that decisions are based on reliable evaluation and facts — not solely on price, often the catalogue one.
It is always worth consulting the medical staff as well, as their satisfaction — and ultimately patient satisfaction — will depend on the choice.

2.⁠ ⁠Can procurement planning start only after a grant call is announced?

This is a common misconception.
The investment process should begin much earlier: with needs assessment, a review of available technologies, defining the budget, gathering equipment/service/team work quotations, and evaluating whether the purchase will be profitable and increase the facility’s revenue over time.

3.⁠ ⁠If a supplier has submitted an offer, does it mean it’s the best possible option?

A single offer never gives a full picture of the market. Differences between suppliers include not only pricing but also component quality, technical specifications, warranty and service conditions, delivery timelines, and real operating costs.
That’s why a full comparison and negotiation of medical equipment and service terms are fundamental to making an informed and safe decision — one that will influence both patient satisfaction and the financial performance of the medical facility. Grants can support the purchasing process, but they should not dictate it.

Investing in medical equipment requires analysis, comparison, and preparation. If you don’t have an internal team capable of managing this process professionally, it is worth turning to experts.
You will save time, money — and the entire project will be more effective.