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Slovak Public Defender to Report on Unauthorized Doctor Fees
🇸🇰 Slovakia /Economy & Trade

Slovak Public Defender to Report on Unauthorized Doctor Fees

From SME · (4d ago) Slovak Critical tone

Translated from Slovak, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Slovak Public Defender of Rights, Róbert Dobrovodský, will submit an extraordinary report to the National Council regarding fees charged by doctors.
  • The report highlights a serious situation that may infringe upon the right to free healthcare, based on a survey indicating systemic issues with direct patient payments.
  • Dobrovodský calls for urgent parliamentary and executive action, proposing legislative and non-legislative improvements to address the problem of unauthorized medical fees.

The Slovak Spectator reports on a critical issue impacting citizens' access to healthcare. Public Defender of Rights Róbert Dobrovodský's upcoming report to the National Council shines a light on the pervasive problem of doctors charging unauthorized fees, potentially violating the fundamental right to free medical care. This isn't just an isolated incident; Dobrovodský's office has received over 30 complaints in 2025 alone, indicating a systemic problem that requires immediate attention from both lawmakers and the executive branch.

The content of the submissions suggests that demanding fees may lead to the restriction or frustration of healthcare. Therefore, I must submit an extraordinary report to the National Council of the Slovak Republic and ask it to discuss it at the May session.

— Róbert DobrovodskýThe Public Defender of Rights explaining the necessity of his report to the National Council.

Dobrovodský's investigation, based on a survey by his office, reveals that these direct payments are often requested without legal basis, for unclear services, or for treatments already covered by public health insurance. The findings suggest a flawed legal framework and insufficient oversight mechanisms are allowing this practice to persist. The sheer volume of complaints, coupled with over 500 reported by regional self-governments in less than two years, underscores the urgency and scale of the issue.

The report will contain many ideas for improving the situation. These will be improvements of a legislative, as well as non-legislative nature.

— Róbert DobrovodskýThe Public Defender of Rights outlining the scope of his upcoming report.

This situation is particularly concerning for Slovak citizens who rely on the public healthcare system. While international coverage might focus on the legal intricacies, for many in Slovakia, this is about the practical ability to receive necessary medical treatment without facing unexpected financial burdens. The Public Defender's proactive stance in bringing this to parliament's attention is a crucial step in ensuring accountability and protecting citizens' rights. The proposed improvements, both legislative and non-legislative, aim to rectify this systemic flaw and restore confidence in the healthcare system.

This number was not small compared to the number of submissions in other areas of the public defender's jurisdiction.

— Róbert DobrovodskýDescribing the volume of complaints received regarding medical fees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by SME in Slovak. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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