The legendary Slovak medical spa resort of Brusno (Banská Bystrica region), whose history dates back to the early 19th century, might close its doors to its clients and visitors, being unable to cover its financial obligations, the Hospodárske Noviny daily reported on Monday.
The Brusno spa resort, whose mineral water is suitable for treating mainly digestive diseases, has attracted thousands of people each year. It has, however, encountered existential problems due to a loan of €10 million from the Slovak Guarantees and Development Bank (SZRB) taken forthe reconstruction of the complex. At first, the spa resort was able to cover the instalments. The first delays occurred in 2012 with a change in the way the health insurance companies cover individual treatment procedures in the spa. The facility began to receive money from the insurers with even 6-month delays, which resulted in Brusno spa being behind with the loan payments and burdened with subsequent hikes in interest rates. This led the bank to send the spa into bankruptcy proceedings. "We consider the case subject to bank secrecy and thus offer no details”, stated the bank. The closure of the resort means 150 employees could lose their jobs, according to Brusno spa majority stakeholder Stefan Hrčka. He went on to say that their rescue plan relies on favourable economic results and a high numbers of visitors.
