Slovak patients use health services less since charges were imposed

Slovak health minister Rudolf Zajac has said that a new payment system whereby patients contribute towards the cost of medical treatment has been a huge success in cutting unnecessary visits to doctors.

Since charges were introduced in June, the number of visits to general practitioners has fallen by 30%, and the numbers of appointments for specialists and of hospital stays have been cut by 25%.

“We had to act to stop abuse of the health system. I am pleased that we have managed to significantly cut unnecessary visits to doctors, while the level of charges means that it will not discourage people who …