Health Minister Launches Audits to Protect Patients Amid Budget Cuts

Bratislava, 23 August (TASR) – Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice–SD) declared that for Voice–SD it is a priority that consolidation measures do not affect the most vulnerable, including patients, TASR learnt from ministry spokesperson Veronika Danicova on Sunday. Sasko stated that his ministry is actively seeking savings within the healthcare sector. The minister acknowledged that healthcare often attracts individuals seeking profit, and announced several ongoing inspections and audits. „I have already ordered an internal audit of all public procurement processes conducted by state healthcare facilities since the beginning of this year. This includes checks in university and faculty hospitals, as well as in joint-stock companies with full state ownership. We are verifying whether these organisations purchase necessary goods and services – especially medicines, medical equipment, and supplies – in an economical and purposeful way,” Sasko explained. Sasko also launched a renewed, comprehensive audit of all public procurement processes related to the Ministry of Health’s projects funded by the Recovery Plan. „This audit concerns all recipients of these unique European funds – both public institutions and private companies,” he clarified. Sasko instructed the directors of state-funded and contributory organisations under the ministry’s authority to provide an overview of all purchases of goods and services exceeding €5,000, dating back to 2022. He announced that the findings will be made public. „I am ready to act decisively if anyone in the healthcare sector confuses the mission to help the sick with their own enrichment,” he stated. While reaffirming that protecting vulnerable groups remains a top priority for Voice–SD, Sasko emphasised the necessity of consolidating public finances. mf