Czech and Slovak healthcare procurement reforms

In the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Health has initiated a pilot project involving seven state hospitals to test joint procurement of services, equipment, and materials to identify potential efficiency gains and cost savings.

In Slovakia, healthcare reform efforts have centered on the emergency medical service (ZZS) following the cancellation of a controversial two-billion-euro tender. The original tender, which covered 344 ground stations and seven helicopter stations, was scrapped amid allegations of favoritism toward entities such as the Agel financial group. Consequently, the General Prosecutor and police are investigating the original process for potential abuse of power.

Health Minister Kamil Šaško has stated that the previous allocation method “can no longer and will never work as it did before” and intends to present a new professional plan to the Commission for Urgent Healthcare. Currently, the ZZS operates under a provisional regime with existing operators holding temporary mandates. The opposition party KDH has criticized this uncertainty, calling for a final plan and a physical audit of stations to ensure proper equipment distribution. Furthermore, KDH and paramedics have expressed opposition to a proposal to move emergency services under hospital emergency departments.

Regarding broader infrastructure, the Minister noted ongoing investments in air conditioning for hospitals in Bratislava and Košice, while emphasizing that systemic electrical and technical upgrades will require larger future investments. On financing, Šaško indicated that new hospital construction would be addressed through future budgets and expressed support for a potential merger between private insurers Dôvera and Union, provided there is strict regulatory monitoring.