ANS Rejects Attempts to Discredit Its Members by LOZ Head Visolajsky

Bratislava, January 2 (TASR) - The Association of Slovak Hospitals (ANS) rejects attempts to discredit its members by Medical Trade Union Association (LOZ) chairman Peter Visolajsky, describing his latest "attack" on the association's hospitals as a sign of his disappointment, fear and incompetence, ANS head Marian Petko said on Thursday, declaring that the main goal remains quality health care and patient safety, but also the support of employees. "We reject attempts to discredit hospitals that seek long-term and sustainable solutions instead of populist rhetoric," stressed Petko, adding that the ANS hospitals have stood up for the stability and sustainability of the health-care sector without succumbing to coercion and actions without political accountability. According to the ANS, the union chief's concerns stem from doctors' realisation that their real interests were not being appropriately represented in the negotiations. The association stated that the contract signed by the LOZ with the Health Ministry indicates that it doesn't actually bring better conditions for health workers, but creates room for further indebtedness of hospitals. It also speaks of incompetence in connection with the lack of understanding of financial mechanisms, which leads to a situation where hospitals get into even bigger financial problems. am/mcs