Government approves hospital network reform; ZZS fears funding cuts
The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved changes to the hospital network reform proposed by the Ministry of Health, aiming to concentrate complex services by 2029. The Greens and Farmers Union objected, warning of a 10-million-euro reduction in funding for regional hospitals.
On Tuesday, July 28, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted amendments to the organization and payment of healthcare services, reforming the hospital network. Under the approved plan, by 2029, the most complex healthcare services will be centralized in hospitals with adequate capacity, while maintaining access to basic services for the population.
The reform is based on recommendations from the European Commission, World Bank experts, and findings from the State Audit Office. The State Audit concluded that inpatient care is not equitable – significant differences exist in service provision and quality among same-level institutions. The main issues are a shortage of specialists and inability to provide 24/7 on-call coverage, compromising patient safety and equal access.
The Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) voiced opposition, expressing concerns that regional hospitals could lose up to 10 million euros in funding. Despite these objections, a majority of the government supported the Ministry of Health's proposal.
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