On Wednesday, Parliament passed a bill that adds the concept of 'critical healthcare shortage' to the list of extraordinary situations, following mass resignations by protesting doctors. The legislation, fast-tracked through the legislative process, stipulates that if such a shortage is declared, health personnel not providing healthcare could face criminal liability. The bill was approved by 74 lawmakers, with 70 voting against and two abstaining.
Opposition members criticized the legislation, arguing it is an attempt to criminalize protesting doctors and force them to continue working under the threat of imprisonment. MP Oskar Dvorak (PS) stated that the bill sends an unacceptable message to health personnel and Slovak citizens, potentially further destabilizing the already strained healthcare system. He urged Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to seek dialogue with doctors' unions before the year’s end.
Igor Matovic, leader of the 'Slovakia' party, also condemned the bill, suggesting that it shows Fico's lack of priority for the health sector, with patients ultimately bearing the consequences. MP Peter Stachura (KDH) argued that the bill criminalizes healthcare workers and expressed hope that Parliament would reject it during the second reading, calling for a resolution before the year ends.
Source: TASR
