Many districts in Slovakia have been facing a decrease in the number of specialised paediatricians and some children are having to wait months to see one, according to a report in the Pravda daily. Children either have to travel to other localities or end up being examined by doctors who usually treat adults.
The Slovak Union of Specialists says the health-insurance system is to be blamed for this situation. “It gives the same type of points and financial rewards for children and adults, but child patients demand more time than adults”, said its head Andrej Janco. The Health Ministry reacted by saying it plans to take measures to fix this situation.
Anca Dragu
