Health minister hoping to introduce range of new charges

The minister of health, Tomas Julinek, says he wants to introduce fees for every visit to a doctor or emergency department from the start of next year. Mr Julinek said the proposal would be put to the lower house of parliament by the middle of this year, adding that he expected a great political fight over the issue. His plan also envisages a charge for every prescription and day spent in hospital.

Author: Ian Willoughby