Protesting private doctors sign new contract with VšZP

All but four private doctors from the Outpatient Providers Union (ZAP) have signed contracts with the largest insurance company, Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP), as of Monday, according to Ľubica Hlinková, the insurer's General Director. A conflict between the state owned insurance company and the union members erupted in late November, with doctors wanting between 12 and 17 percent higher pay. Zuzana Dolinková, Executive Director of the doctor's association, said that despite their conditions not being met they have signed the contracts, in order to prevent a reduction in the availability and quality of healthcare for VšZP insurers. Patients of those four providers who refused to signed the current contract will be provided with acute health care only. According to Hlinková, the insurance company will move them to other providers.