LOZ: Health Minister Failed to Present Any Solutions at Talks

Bratislava, November 26 (TASR) - Representatives of the doctors' labour union (LOZ) criticise Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) for his failure to present promised legislative proposals at their meeting on Tuesday, with LOZ head Peter Visolajsky warning after the talks that the government is grossly underestimating the situation. "Today we were told that the minister would present both the timetable for the implementation of individual items as well as the bill drafts. We've seen no bills to date and will be sent the items only by post... Hence, simply put, I'm afraid the government is grossly underestimating the situation," said Visolajsky. On the other hand, Visolajsky views in a positive light Sasko's pledge to discuss with the government at its Wednesday (November 27) session a resolution on the transformation of hospitals into public-traded companies. Visolajsky also announced that some doctors have made a definitive choice not to return to hospitals and leave Slovakia altogether. "The longer this situation lasts, the higher their numbers grow, unfortunately... At the moment, though, the number ranges in a single digit," he claimed. mf/mcs