Sasko: Transformation of Hospitals Not On Table in Foreseeable Future

Bratislava, October 23 (TASR) - The transformation of state-owned hospitals into joint-stock companies is certainly not on the table for the foreseeable future, Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) stated after a session of the government on Wednesday. Sasko claimed that he has never promised any transformation of the hospitals and even if this issue were addressed, it would be the subject of discussion with experts and doctor unions first. "However, any kind of discussion would be contingent on having a comprehensive audit of operations and assets as well as an audit of financial flows, debt analysis, including an analysis of HR first, and then we can start talking with representatives of the unions, even everyone who has something to say in terms of expertise," stated the minister, who underlined that the aim of the discussion is to find the most streamlined way to manage state hospitals. Sasko rejects allegations that the potential transformation would pave the way to the privatisation of hospitals. "I'm a representative of the Voice-SD party and ever since its founding, the Voice has been talking about building a strong state. A strong state in the health sector means in my book that the state enjoys full control over management and processes as well as financial flows in state hospitals. Hence, from the social democrat point of view, privatisation is out of the question," he claimed. mf/mcs