Croatia is introducing stricter criteria for doctors’ supplementary work in the public and private sectors. The new regulation includes controls on working hours, waiting lists, work experience, and the type of institutions where doctors can perform supplementary work. The goal is to increase transparency, protect the public healthcare system, and reduce waiting times. Doctors will be allowed to obtain permits for private sector work only for one year, with mandatory renewal. The new regulation also introduces additional oversight mechanisms for healthcare institution managers. The Croatian Medical Chamber believes the existing regulation already provides sufficient control mechanisms, while healthcare employers support the new measures. Data shows that the private sector’s share in the healthcare budget is smaller than public perception, and most citizens use public healthcare.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the need for protecting the public healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. They highlight the importance of transparency and reducing waiting times to improve patient care. They may be critical of private sector involvement and stress the need for strong public oversight.
Center: Center-leaning sources focus on the balance between public and private healthcare sectors, supporting measures that increase transparency and efficiency. They highlight the practical aspects of the new regulation, such as controlling waiting lists and ensuring doctors’ work quality, while acknowledging the role of private healthcare as a complement to the public system.
Right: Right-leaning sources emphasize the importance of allowing doctors to work in the private sector to increase healthcare options and reduce public system burdens. They support deregulation and criticize excessive bureaucracy. They may view the new rules as potentially restrictive and stress the need for doctors’ professional freedom.
