Opposition Criticises Special Health Measures Passed by Parliament

Bratislava, December 11 (TASR) - Opposition blasted Wednesday's passing of legislation by Parliament that contains measures to force protesting doctors, who have filed mass resignations, to continue working under the penalty of imprisonment, calling it an effort to criminalize doctors and threaten them. MP Oskar Dvorak (PS) declared that the passing of the bill is an unacceptable signal sent to the health personnel and every Slovak. In his view, it will only contribute towards further destabilisation of the already tense situation in health care. "There's still room for responsible solutions, seeing as we have still almost three weeks to go before the year's end," he said and called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to start searching for solutions with doctor labour unions. The criticism was joined by 'Slovakia' party leader Igor Matovic, who believes that the health sector is not a priority to Fico whatsoever. In Matovic's opinion, it's Slovak patients who will bear the brunt of the impact caused by the legislation. MP Peter Stachura (KDH) is convinced that the bill aims to criminalize the health personnel. He voiced hope that Parliament will reject the bill in the second reading. "All we can do is hope they'll reach a deal. There's not much time left until the end of the year," he said. mf