Government wants opposition support for its hospital reform

Health Minister Andrea Kalavská (Smer) agreed with Smer leader Robert Fico that the government will discuss hospital reform in August and will submit it to parliament as a constitutional act that requires the votes of the opposition parties. The reform includes closing down smaller hospitals and their units, or changing them into long-term care facilities. Patients from some regions would have to travel farther to get care, but they would receive higher quality treatment. Ahead of the meeting, Kalavská warned she might resign if her reform proposal is shelved.

Opposition parties will declare their position once they see the final proposal. The coalition party SNS shares this position.

(Pravda/1)