Health Minister Focuses on Stabilizing Nurses and Midwives
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Loading... - Ryan Griffin
- 17 Feb 2025
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Health Minister Kamil Šaško of the Hlas-SD party has outlined his primary focus for the year as efforts to stabilize the nursing and midwifery workforce in Slovakia. Speaking at a press conference to mark his first hundred days in office, Šaško emphasized the importance of addressing personnel issues within the healthcare sector, alongside initiatives aimed at prevention and the development of a new drug strategy.
Prioritizing Education and Personnel Strategy
Šaško stated, "The absolutely most important topic of all for me is the area of education and personnel strategy in the field of human resources." He aims to engage in discussions and implement measures that specifically target the needs of nurses and midwives, recognizing their critical role in the healthcare system.
Focus on Prevention and Patient Advocacy
In addition to workforce stabilization, the Health Minister expressed a commitment to preventive healthcare. He announced plans to establish a National Screening Center and mentioned ongoing discussions with patient organizations to create a patient council or potentially a patient ombudsman. These initiatives are intended to enhance patient advocacy and improve healthcare outcomes.
Šaško also highlighted the need to address risky behaviors among young people, particularly in relation to addiction prevention. He stated, "Here is my key interest - the health of the younger generation, adolescents in particular, and to prevent the development of various addictions to the maximum extent possible." He emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that promote abstinence and healthy lifestyles.
Criticism from Health Committee Vice-chair
Despite Šaško's ambitious plans, Oskar Dvořák, Vice-chair of the House Health Committee from the PS party, criticized the Minister's approach, suggesting that he has been primarily focused on "putting out fires" rather than addressing systemic issues within the healthcare sector. Dvořák pointed to challenges such as a "botched" consolidation process, the threat of mass resignations among doctors, and difficult negotiations with medical unions as significant obstacles that have hindered Šaško's ability to concentrate on urgent healthcare problems.
Dvořák noted the ongoing shortage of healthcare personnel, estimating the deficit to be in the thousands, and expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the new hospital project in Bratislava. He also highlighted the lack of support from the government, particularly from the Finance Minister, who does not prioritize investments in the health sector. Dvořák stated, "If he really wanted to fulfill his plans, he would need support from the Prime Minister. However, Robert Fico already declared that he's not responsible for this government portfolio and that the health segment is not a prime ministerial issue."
As Health Minister Kamil Šaško embarks on his agenda to stabilize the nursing workforce and enhance preventive healthcare measures, he faces significant challenges within the Slovak healthcare system. The criticism from political colleagues underscores the complexities of navigating healthcare reform in a landscape marked by personnel shortages and political constraints. The success of Šaško's initiatives will depend not only on his commitment to these goals but also on securing the necessary support from the government to implement meaningful changes in the sector.
