SaS Won't Support Bill on Pediatric Outpatient Emergency Departments

Bratislava, May 7 (TASR) - SaS won't support the proposed changes for the pediatric emergency outpatient departments because even though the party agrees with the shortening of their opening hours, it finds it important to introduce simultaneous fees for misusing their services, MP Jana Bitto Ciganikova (SaS) announced on Tuesday. "This solution should include also fees, regardless of how politically unattractive that is," declared Bitto Ciganikova. She pointed out that when parents would not be able to visit a pediatric outpatient emergency department, they might automatically seek out an emergency department in the nearest hospital, thus contributing to its overburdened state. "If we won't usher in also fees for misusing emergencies that would motivate them to take steps other than coming directly to emergency departments, then this could turn into a genuine disaster," she warned. The MP also added that according to her information pediatrists in regular outpatient departments disagree with the proposed stipulation to work at least once a week until 6 p.m. She warned that if this provision is not discussed in advance, it might lead to mass retirements by older pediatrists. mf/mcs