House: Opposition Files Motion to Dismiss Dolinkova from Health Minister Post

Bratislava, September 11 (TASR) - Opposition MPs on Wednesday filed a proposal to dismiss Zuzana Dolinkova (Voice-SD) from the health minister post, criticising her for the critical situation at Trencin hospital and managerial failures in projects financed from the recovery plan, MPs Oskar Dvorak (Progressive Slovakia/PS), Tomas Szalay (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS), Peter Stachura and Frantisek Majersky (both Christian Democrats/KDH) told a joint press conference on Wednesday. "We've managed to collect all the signatures necessary to convene a special House session with no-confidence motion in minister Dolinkova the sole point on the agenda. The parliamentary chair or vice-chair tasked with managing Parliament now has seven days to convene the session," noted Dvorak. The opposition has blamed the health minister for the situation at the cardiology ward of the Faculty Hospital in Trencin, which has led to doctors handing in their notice, as well as issues concerning the replacement of pipes at the hospital and suspicions regarding the issuing of invoices for fictitious services. It also pointed to Dolinkova's managerial failures and the failure to meet milestones stemming from the recovery plan. "Minister Dolinkova is incapable of the post. Such a demanding post needs a person who is a manager, able to go against the wind," said Stachura. The opposition MPs has also lambasted Dolinkova in connection with the negative performance of state-run health-insurer VsZP, and it's objected to the politicisation of independent institutions in the health sector. It also claims that Dolinkova is giving way to hoaxers and disinformation. It's pointed to the failure to address problems concerning the outpatient sector and the lack of nurses. In this connection, it's urged Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to start dealing with the situation in the health-care sector. Dvorak announced last week that a proposal to dismiss Dolinkova would be submitted. In reaction, Dolinkova has called the move a "show" and politicking. ko/df