Czech presidency calls on EU to fight malnutrition in hospitals

The Czech EU presidency on Friday called on EU countries to take measures to prevent unnecessary illnesses and fatalities caused by malnutrition in hospitals. According to a European survey, some 40 percent of patients in hospitals in the Czech Republic and other EU countries suffer from malnutrition. In the facilities with provided home care up to 60 percent of inmates are starving. Malnutrition may lead to serious health problems, it prolongs the time of treatment and increases its costs. Experts say the cost of treating illnesses provoked by malnutrition amounts to 170 billion euros annually, but its prevention would save up to 1000 euros per hospitalized patient.