KDH Views Dolinkova's Resignation as Logical Move, Points to Her Failures

Bratislava, October 4 (TASR) - The opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) perceive the resignation of Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Voice-SD) as a logical move in the wake of her failures and hope that her replacement will be a respected person capable of defending the interests of patients and someone who will enjoy strong political support in the fight against special interest groups in the sector, TASR learnt from KDH's press release on Friday. "Dolinkova paid the price for the lack of preparation with which she came to the Health Ministry and also for the meagre respect she commanded at the ministry and for its portfolio, which she was unable to improve even a year into her tenure," claimed MP Peter Stachura (KDH). Stachura criticised Dolinkova for her decision to rescind the construction of a new national hospital in Bratislava's Razsochy area, her failures to seek alternative solutions to the crisis in emergency children's outpatient departments, her failure to address out-of-control fees in health care, the worsening accessibility of health care and delays in the central management of state hospitals. In addition, the Christian Democrats lambasted Dolinkova for her inaction regarding the passing of the consolidation package in Parliament. "We expected Dolinkova to stand up and fight for her ministry in the face of consolidation measures, fight for nurses, paramedics and doctors until the last minute. That didn't happen, however, and the minister chose to resign instead. We expect her successor to reverse the approved measures and the President to intervene as well," added MP Frantisek Majersky (KDH). mf/df