Senate rules that under-18s should not pay healthcare fees

The Czech Senate approved a bill abolishing healthcare fees for the under-18s on Wednesday. The bill also halves the maximum amount that pensioners will have to pay for their healthcare each year to 2,500 crowns (120 USD). The paper will now be handed to the lower house for approval. Healthcare fees have been controversial since their adoption at the start of 2008. Czechs must now pay 30 crowns each time they visit the doctor and 60 crowns per night spent in hospital.