LOZ: Emergency Medical Services Reform Could Save Slovakia €40 Mn a Year (2)

Bratislava, 1 September (TASR) – The Doctors’ Trade Union (LOZ) believes that a reform of Slovakia’s emergency medical services system could save the country approximately €40 million per year, as the current ambulance system is unnecessarily costly, LOZ chair Peter Visolajsky told TASR on Monday. The LOZ pointed to the model used in the Czech Republic, where emergency services are operated by regional government authorities and not leased or sold to private groups. „A responsible government, when consolidating public finances, first plugs up the leaks before turning to taxpayers for money. On the other hand, a government that ignores millions leaking into the pockets of financial groups while raising taxes on citizens is neither social nor truly serving the public — it serves financial groups and oligarchs. That’s why we hope the Health Minister and coalition politicians will soon present the ambulance reform they have promised,” Visolajsky stated. He argued that Slovakia’s current system is an anomaly in Europe, while the Czech model is both realistic and effective. “It is not only cheaper, but also provides better quality and staffing levels compared to Slovakia,” the LOZ added. According to the union, the Czech Republic, with a population of around 10.4 million, spent €489.9 million on emergency medical services in 2024 — around €46 per capita. In contrast, Slovakia, with a population of 5.4 million, spent €281.4 million, or about €52 per person. The LOZ estimates that adopting the Czech model would reduce Slovakia’s total costs to around €243 million — a potential annual saving of €38.4 million. The LOZ also noted that Slovakia’s ambulance system is suffering from a long-standing personnel crisis, with a growing shortage of doctors and paramedics. „Tens of millions in potential savings could be used more effectively: for instance, to stabilise staffing shortages, raise paramedic salaries, or purchase new equipment,” Visolajsky added. mf/mcs