Deputy minister: Major changes coming for Czech healthcare

The Czech healthcare system is set for major changes, a deputy minister of health, Václav Pláteník, said on a Czech Television debate show on Sunday. Mr. Pláteník said there would be overhaul of both the country’s network of hospitals and the forms of care provided. He said the planned changes had been sped up due to protests by young doctors against overtime.

Speaking on the same programme, Jan Přáda, vice-president of the Czech Medical Chamber and head of its young doctors’ section, said that some of the steps would be unpopular and would also impact doctors. Mr. Přáda specifically referred to a reduction in specialisations at hospitals and round-the-clock operation.