Agel to Take over Brothers of Mercy Hospital Only with PMU's Consent

Bratislava, 23 December (TASR) - Agel group will take over the Brothers of Mercy University Hospital with Polyclinic in Bratislava only with the consent of the Slovak Anti-monopoly Office (PMU), Agel's communications manager Jarmila Sevcikova told TASR on Tuesday, adding that the negotiations between the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God - Brothers of Mercy and Agel have been closed. She stressed that the real estate belonging to the hospital remains in the ownership of the religious order. "At the same time, Agel has committed to guaranteeing the scope of healthcare provided, staffing capacities, as well as the hospital's spiritual dimension," said Sevcikova, adding that the entire process is subject to review by the PMU. "This procedure ensures full transparency, legality, and independent supervision over the entire process. Both parties have decided not to comment further on the details of the transaction," added Sevcikova. In early December, the Brothers of Mercy University Hospital informed about its plans to lay off around 90 employees, explaining this move by undergoing hard times. This necessitated the hospital's reprofiling during which the structure of healthcare provision is to be adjusted to ensure its financial sustainability. jrg