Health minister warns hospital debt could increase due to new labour code

Outgoing Health Minister Tomas Julinek has warned that hospital debts and debts of other medical facilities could grow in 2007 as a result of the new labour code, set to come into effect in January. According to the minister, the new code will entail spending not considered in the Health Ministry's budget, a difference of 2 billion crowns. Previously, the outgoing Civic Democrat recommended postponing the validity of the new labour code, sparking protest from trade unions expected to hold a rally in support of the legislation later this month.

On Monday, outgoing Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Minister Petr Necas the code was likely to come into effect on January 1st; given the balance of mandates in the lower house it is unlikely that the Civic Democrats will be able to postpone its coming into effect.

Author: Jan Velinger