Health fee reductions remain in limbo

A proposed selective elimination of controversial health fees introduced by Health Minister Tomáš Julínek remains in limbo as politicians iron out differences over legislation. The Minister has promised a willingness to compromise as both the government and opposition Social Democrats work on a plan that could see under-18s, low-income groups as well as seniors exempted from having to pay to visit a doctor, as well as exemptions for prescription fees. Meanwhile, the Czech Prime Minister indicated that the current system is not sustainable from a political point-of-view, in that it remains deeply unpopular and has seen the opposition successfully use it as a rallying point. At present, politicians from all sides are presenting various formulations for how to structure the exemptions – a decision will reportedly be made on Friday as to which version to present to the lower house of parliament for a vote.

Author: Dominik Jůn