THE SYMBOLIC fees that Slovak patients pay for healthcare services are in line with the Slovak constitution, the Constitutional Court ruled on May 17, the news wire SITA wrote.
Last June, Robert Fico, leader of the opposition party Smer, challenged the act that introduced the marginal fees in the name of Smer deputies, the People's Union, and the Communist Party of Slovakia.
The opposition parties argued that the Slovak constitution guarantees free healthcare for Slovak citizens.
Slovaks have been paying symbolic fees since June 1, 2003.
The new legal norms introduced Sk20 (€0.5) fees for visits to doctors in primary and secondary healthcare facilities, specialists, and emergency units.
Hospital patients pay a daily fee of Sk50 (€1.24) for meals and accommodation. Patients are also obliged to pay a fee of Sk20 for medical prescriptions and medical aids.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
