The state plans to send fewer employees on free rehabilitation stays to spa facilities as of January 2003, in an effort to cut down on corruption among doctors and bureaucrats who are believed to take bribes for approving applications.
The number of free patients will fall from 52,000 in 2002 to 45,000 next year, while as of 2004 these patients will have only treatments covered, and will have to pay for accomodation and food themselves.
Free spa treatments, a communist-era tradition, are still awarded to people employed in either the private or public sectors, and whose doctors recommend a stay in a spa facility to help a medical condition.
Compiled by Tom Nicholson from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
