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As of January 1, Czech patients are having to pay 30 crowns ( less than a dollar) for each visit to the doctor and for each prescription, and 60 crowns for each day spent in hospital. The move is a part of a far-reaching reform of the health sector introduced this year. The aim of the reform is to save money, bring new funds into the health sector and to stop people abusing the system. After the law was passed in Parliament, its opponents lodged a complaint with the country’s Constitutional Court on the grounds that the fees would breech the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.

Czechs wish mostly for good health and a pay rise in 2008, according to a recent poll conducted by the Median agency. Altogether 19 percent of respondents said they wished for better health for their families in the new year and 14 percent wanted a pay rise above all else. Another 12 percent say they have everything they need.

In his traditional New Year’s Day address, President Václav Klaus has called on Czechs to protect and cultivate their identity in order not to lose their freedom in a world where borders are becoming increasingly open. President Klaus also said that despite many problems, Czechs are now living in the best possible period in the country’s history, which he said is proved by the fact that Czechs are not leaving the country en masse even though they are free to. Mr Klaus also said that an upward trend in mortgage borrowing suggests a faith in the future. In the address, broadcast live on three national TV channels and on Czech Radio, President Klaus noted that 2008 is another year in a succession of years, all ending in the figure eight, that were milestones in the country’s history – 1918, 1938, 1948 and 1968.

This year’s address was the last in Mr Klaus’s five-year term of office which expires in two months time. Next month, Mr Klaus will seek re-election in a vote held at a joint session of both houses of parliament.

Although rescue workers have described this New Year’s Eve celebrations as relatively calm compared to previous years, three people were killed in accidents during the night around the country. Two died in separate road accidents, one man was killed in a fire and one seriously injured in a shooting accident. A child was rushed to hospital after falling out of a window while watching a fireworks show. The country’s rescue workers were called out to investigate dozens of cases of injury, mostly due to alcohol and careless handling of fireworks. They also reported many cases of alcohol poisoning.