Experts and medical institutions are warning about risks linked to Slovakia’s refusal to adopt updated international health regulations. The Health Ministry’s Scientific Council and several hospitals have joined the criticism, saying pandemics require strong international coordination.
Prime Minister Robert Fico argues that public health remains the responsibility of individual states, not the European Union. He also said Government Plenipotentiary Peter Kotlár had warned him the new rules could pose risks to national sovereignty.
Experts say sticking with older regulations could limit Slovakia’s access to information, medicines, or vaccines during future pandemics. They warn the country may also be left out of systems designed for faster data sharing and global coordination.
However, they understand that there are legal issues that need to be resolved. The government notes that eleven countries have raised objections to the revised rules, including the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
Health Minister Kamil Šaško says Slovakia will withdraw its temporary objection once legal issues are resolved.
Source: STVR
