UVZ: We Haven't Deleted Any Data on 2020-23 Testing Facilities for COVID (2)

Bratislava, December 18 (TASR) - The Public Health Authority (UVZ) hasn't had data on mobile testing facilities (MOM) for COVID-19 deleted, a UVZ spokesperson stated on Wednesday. UVZ responded in this way to claims made by Supreme Audit Authority (NKU) chair Lubomir Andrassy. "On the contrary, with respect to the registry of MOMs, we left the data in the My eHealth database, so no deletion has been carried out," added UVZ. In addition, UVZ underlined that it extended full cooperation to the Health Ministry as well as to NKU, and submitted all relevant information that both institutions asked for. "The bureau hasn't been collecting data relevant to the financing of MOMs, however," underlined UVZ, adding that it possesses a sworn affidavit from the National Centre for Health Information (NCZI) dated November 22, 2023, "which clearly specifies which data in the My eHealth database have been retained and which were deleted". Earlier on Wednesday, the government discussed the financing of MOMs and shortcomings uncovered by NKU in the 2020-23 period. The 'Slovakia' party [formerly OLaNO, the main coalition party in the 2020-23 governments] has commented on the issue as well, claiming that it's also interested in having the case investigated. "We call on state bodies to thoroughly investigate companies that participated in the testing for COVID and failed to meet their obligations towards Financial Administration," said party spokesperson Matus Bystriansky. The party also voiced its surprise at the absence of comprehensive data on the number and financing of MOMs, pointing out that the Health Ministry under its tenure regularly posted such information both on its website and on korona.gov. "This is publicly available information. That's why it's incomprehensible why the Health Ministry would lack a database of MOMs based on calls for projects by the Health Ministry," added Bystriansky. mf/df