ZAP Calls on Fico to Dismiss Kotlar Immediately over His Statements on Sunday

Bratislava, 8 September (TASR) - The Association of Outpatient Health-care Providers (ZAP) is calling on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to immediately dismiss Government Proxy for Investigating COVID-19 Pandemic Management Peter Kotlar for the statements that he made on JOJ 24's discussion programme 'Politika 24' (Politics 24) on Sunday (7 September). According to ZAP, Kotlar's statements are proof that he is too incompetent to carry out his work. "During the discussion, he repeatedly questioned modern medicine, injection treatment and vaccination as such. He even criticised mandatory vaccinations, thanks to which we have been able to stop or significantly control the spread of deadly diseases," ZAP explained, adding that such statements pose a threat to public health, the safety of the population and the health of health-care professionals. A person who openly spreads incompetent and dangerous attitudes against medicine and vaccination should not be allowed to influence public opinion or the government's decision-making processes, said ZAP. Speaking on the discussion programme, Kotlar said that the stability of the coalition is the most important thing, indicating that he might leave his post for the sake of this. Kotlar also said that he'd be interested in the post of health minister if the next election produces a favourable result. He repeatedly questioned the importance of vaccinations and reiterated information about vaccines that has been refuted by scientists. He also cast doubt on the worldwide increase in preventable diseases. jrg/df