Hospitals warn that the personnel shortage remains overlooked

The Association of Hospitals of Slovakia (ANS) warns that the problem of the shortage of medical professionals is still ignored. "The situation is really critical and is the result of a long-term failure to address the real needs of these professionals. It is a regrettable fact that in the personnel area there is no other solution than a gradual closure of outpatient clinics and hospital departments, at present and in the future," reads a statement released by the association. It adds that the association has also initiated several meetings at the level of the Education Ministry, Health Ministry, and the government's Economic and Social Council, that "resulted only in promises". The Health Ministry, however, pointed to wage increases for nurses as of January, and an extra 250 students admitted to medical faculties, as measures which will help improve the situation.