Brno, Nov 21 (CTK) – Milan Kubek was re-elected president of the Czech Doctors´ Chamber (CLK) for the third time in a row by a CLK congress Friday, after telling the delegates that if doctors wish qualitative changes to the Czech health system, they must force them out.
Kubek´s re-election for another five-year term was supported by a strong majority of three fourths of the delegates.
The CLK changed its election rules last year to enable Kubek to seek the top position for the third time. The critics then branded the change expedient.
Kubek told the delegates that the government is capable of discussing only “parametrical” changes to the health care system. If doctors wish qualitative changes, they must impose them by force, he said.
Problems in the health sector have been increasing for several years now, he said, mentioning the shortage of staff and low pay as examples.
On the eve of the congress, Kubek said “the CLK congress wants to warn the government that the Czech health sector is in a desolate condition, underfinanced and gradually abandoned by qualified staff. The system of health care for citizens will collapse unless the government pulls the emergency brake,” he said.
About 400 delegates to the two-day congress, which continues on Sunday, represent the CLK´s 52,000 members.
In the afternoon, the congress was visited by Health Minister Svatopluk Nemecek who leaves for China within a delegation led by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka (both Social Democrats, CSSD) tonight.
Health care is among the issues on the agenda of the upcoming Czech-Chinese negotiations.
rtj/dr
