Sasko: Children's Right to Companion in Hospital to Be Applied Uniformly (2)

Bratislava, 6 June (TASR) - Children's right to have a companion when in hospital will be applied uniformly, Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voiced-SD) announced at a press conference on Friday following (5 June) parliamentary approval on Thursday of a bill granting children the right to be accompanied by a caregiver in hospital. According to Sasko, this represents a significant step toward a more humane and empathetic health-care system, improving conditions not only for children but also for entire families. Sasko emphasised that the right of a minor to have an accompanying person in hospital will be applied consistently across the country — during examinations, inpatient care, intensive care and psychiatric care. "At the same time, it respects the specifics of individual situations, always with regard to the best interests of the child and the safety of treatment," he added. Interior Minister and Voice-SD party leader Matus Sutaj Estok mentioned the government's broader efforts to invest in hospital infrastructure to make such measures possible. "This bill isn't about politics; it's about children and their parents, about that moment when a child has to stay in hospital and a parent wants to be close to them. From now on, no child will be left alone in hospital, said Sutaj Estok. The change was approved by Parliament on Thursday as an amendment to a proposed education law. Starting in September, facilities will be required to provide at least a chair next to the child's bed for the accompanying person. The amendment also includes professional guidelines to ensure that the right is applied consistently across hospitals. mf/df