Sasko: I Don't Understand LOZ Stance, It Rejects Constructive Talks

Bratislava, December 16 (TASR) - Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) doesn't understand the position of representatives of the Doctors' Trade Union (LOZ), who, according to the Health Ministry, refuse to hold open and constructive negotiations, the ministry's communications department informed TASR on Monday. "I really don't understand why LOZ is doing everything it can to prevent an agreement from being reached. I invite them again to a constructive debate and joint search for solutions. Slovak patients must have priority over all interests and unnecessary conflicts. Based on Mr. Visolajsky's statements from yesterday that doctors' salaries aren't a problem, I'm calling on all health-care professionals not to abandon their patients so that we'll jointly contribute to reaching an agreement by means of a constructive dialogue," said the minister. The Health Ministry pointed out that LOZ has called on the minister to hold negotiations, he's accepted their call and convened a special meeting of the sectoral tripartite for Monday. However, LOZ in reaction announced that it wants to hold talks in a narrower format. The ministry declared that it's still ready to hold negotiations and address the situation for the benefit of patients and the system. It repeatedly called on the union to take part in the sectoral tripartite meeting, adding that the minister could also meet them in a narrower format afterwards. ko/df