SNS Calls on Dolinkova to Meet Medical Trade Union Association

Bratislava, October 9 (TASR) - The Slovak National Party (SNS) has called on outgoing Health Minister Zuzana Dolinkova (Voice-SD) to immediately meet the Medical Trade Union Association and representatives of other similar trade unions. "It is inconceivable how in a whole calendar year Zuzana Dolinkova has not had any meetings with these representatives, who were received by the president yesterday," said the party, adding that Dolinkova remains in office for the time being, and so she is obliged to listen to proposals for saving money in the health-care sector. According to SNS, the minister hasn't presented any solutions during her one year in office. "Zuzana Dolinkova has wasted a year as health minister. If she ignores the opinions of trade unions for a long time, she is fully responsible for the state of the health-care sector, and the same applies to those who nominated her," added the party. President Peter Pellegrini on Tuesday called on the government to initiate talks with medical staff regarding the approved consolidation package, adding that whether he signs the package as a whole will depend on the talks. Earlier on Tuesday, Dolinkova handed over her resignation to Pellegrini. The president, however, didn't accept the resignation for the time being, claiming that he'll do so when the name of Dolinkova's successor is announced. zel/df