Medical Chamber slams health care proposals presented at conference

Czech doctors have come out against health care reform plans unveiled by Health Minister Leoš Heger at a conference in Průhonice near Prague on Saturday, charging the proposals gave too much power to health insurance companies. Under the plan, insurance companies could terminate contracts with private practitioners without having to provide a reason, something the head of the Czech Medical Chamber Milan Kubek said he was strongly against. The fear is that such changes would leave private practitioners at high risk, forcing them to toe the line regarding insurance companies. The Medical Chamber on Saturday also slammed plans for health care fees for visits to the doctor’s to be transferred directly to health insurance companies. Other changes proposed include raising the cost of visiting a specialist from 30 to 200 crowns for those without a referral from their GP.

Author: Jan Velinger