PHARMACIES said they have noticed a one-third drop in customers since June 1, when a number of payments were introduced into the Slovak health-care system.
The law introduced small fees for various services, including Sk20 (€0.48) for a drug prescription, Sk20 per a doctor visit, and Sk50 (€0.40) for a day in hospital.
The Slovak daily Národná obroda said several owners of pharmacies say they have felt the drop in the number of customers.