Jirina Musilkova, the head of the country's largest health insurance
company, the VZP, has said she will step down on January 1st, 2006. Mrs
Musilkova made the announcement on Friday, citing political pressure on
her and co-workers as the reason for her decision. Both the prime minister
and the health minister, David Rath, have strongly criticised Musilkova in
recent weeks for alleged mismanagement, leading the VZP into billions of
crowns of debt. Both had called for her resignation, and earlier this
month the health minister brought the insurer under forced administration.
Not all, however, have rated Mrs Musilkova negatively: on Saturday
President Vaclav Klaus praised Musilkova's work, saying he hoped those
involved would find the strength to thank the outgoing VZP head for 'many
years of service'. Musilkova has headed the state-owned company for seven
years.