Slovenian Health Minister Tadej Ostrc reports €200 million deficit in ministry finances

Health Minister Tadej Ostrc told a press conference that Slovenia’s Ministry of Health faces a shortfall of roughly €200 million. The deficit stems from a gap between the obligations taken on by the ministry and the funds allocated in its financial plan, despite a €520 million boost granted to the Health Insurance Institute last November.

Hospitals have already recorded a loss of about €22 million in the first five months of the year, and, if trends continue, the total shortfall for public hospitals could reach €80‑100 million by year‑end. Ostrc cited the oncology institute and several major clinical centres as particularly vulnerable. He ordered the directors of public health institutions to draft sanation plans to tap internal reserves and stabilise operations, and said the government will review performance‑related payments and the use of funds for NGOs.

The minister warned that the current financing and management model requires fundamental reforms to ensure long‑term sustainability.