Slovak medical union and KDH support ombudsman over medical fees

The Slovak Medical Trade Union (LOZ) and the opposition party KDH have expressed support for Public Defender of Rights Robert Dobrovodsky following his criticism of unauthorized medical fees and long waiting times in outpatient care.

LOZ Chairman Peter Visolajsky stated that patients should not bear the financial burden of insufficient medical appointments. He argued that health insurance companies, which receive monthly contributions from citizens, must take responsibility for ensuring timely examinations. Visolajsky noted that it is unacceptable for patients to pay extra fees simply to secure an appointment, especially given the rising level of health insurance contributions.

Similarly, KDH Vice-Chairman Peter Stachura defended the ombudsman, stating that Dobrovodsky is merely highlighting systemic issues that the state and insurance companies have failed to resolve. KDH emphasized that while medical professionals face difficult working conditions, insufficient funding should not justify a system where access to healthcare depends on a patient's ability to pay.