Hospitals pay for uneaten food

TRANSPARENCY International Slovensko (TIS) revealed that four state-owned hospitals involved in overpriced meals scandal have to pay two private companies for food deliveries and catering – even if they do not deliver. The contracts stipulate that if the hospitals do not consume at least 95 percent of the amount agreed, they will pay also for the unconsumed servings, Sme reported on December 13.

TRANSPARENCY International Slovensko (TIS) revealed that four state-owned hospitals involved in overpriced meals scandal have to pay two private companies for food deliveries and catering – even if they do not deliver. The contracts stipulate that if the hospitals do not consume at least 95 percent of the amount agreed, they will pay also for the unconsumed servings, Sme reported on December 13.

The Sme daily and TIS reviewed contracts of four large state hospitals in Trenčín, Banská Bystrica, Trnava and Poprad and found that they will pay external caterers nearly €81 million including VAT over the course of 10 years. The contracts show that while most hospitals obtain food for patients for less than €5 per day, in these four state hospitals the sum oscillates between €8.30 and €10.80, Sme reported on December 8.

Heads of state-owned hospitals in Banská Bystrica, Trnava and Poprad, together with the Health Ministry’s service office head Martin Senčák, are being forced out due to the scandal.

TIS pointed out that hospitals already paid €380,000 for unconsumed meals for this year although contracts have been valid for only few months. The contracts are have been assumed for 10 years, in spite of the number of beds in hospitals expected to decrease.

Health Minister Viliam Čislák hopes to be able to change the contracts, while lawyers of both sides elaborate them, according to Sme.

Source: Sme

Compiled by Roman Cuprik from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.

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