Slovak Health Ministry to split doctor appointment hours into free and paid slots

The Slovak Ministry of Health, led by Minister Kamil Šaško, is preparing new regulations that would divide outpatient appointment hours into two categories. One set would remain free and operate as the standard schedule, while an additional set of "paid" hours would allow patients to secure earlier or specific appointments for a fee that could range from €10 to €50.

Physicians would need to provide these paid slots outside their regular hours, and the ministry requires that price lists be publicly displayed. Association of Private Doctors of Slovakia president Marián Šóth explained that the extra hours would be worked beyond normal schedules and that transparent pricing aims to curb informal charges and improve patient access to care.

The reform seeks to create a clear, transparent fee structure, fulfill a pledge made in the government program, and balance accessibility with the need to regulate out‑of‑pocket payments in the Slovak health system.