According to the daily Pravda, every Slovak gives away SKK 2,200 on bribes to physicians annually while eight of ten people think they cannot get decent health care without bribery. Health Minister Rudolf Zajac claims to know a cure for the problem.
"The Health Ministry's goal is to inject the 'unofficial money' into the health care system," spokeswoman of the ministry Alexandra Novotná said. Zajac plans to open the possibility for additional health insurance for patients who want extra care. What they slip to the physician's pocket, they could pay to the hospital's cashier.
EU statistics office Eurostat estimates that bribes cost Sk12 billion (€285 million) annually.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
4. Aug 2003 at 11:08
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