The new regulation on supplementary work of doctors in Croatia introduces stricter rules for parallel work in the public and private sectors. The main criterion for issuing permits will be the length of the waiting list at the primary institution, and doctors will not be allowed to work privately if the waiting time is less than 30 days. The regulation also introduces limits on the duration and number of permits, as well as stricter supervision of doctors’ work. The goal is to increase transparency, control, and protection of the public healthcare system, and to reduce waiting lists. While the authorities believe the regulation will help control and reduce problems, the Croatian Medical Chamber expresses concern that it will not affect the reduction of waiting lists and that the existing regulation already provides necessary control mechanisms.
Political Perspectives:
Left: The left-leaning perspective emphasizes the need for stronger regulation and transparency in the healthcare system to protect public health services and reduce inequalities caused by private sector involvement. It supports the new regulation as a step towards ensuring equitable access to healthcare and criticizes the influence of private interests.
Center: The centrist view focuses on balancing the public and private healthcare sectors, recognizing the need for clear rules to manage supplementary work of doctors. It highlights the importance of reducing waiting times and improving efficiency while maintaining quality care. The new regulation is seen as a pragmatic approach to address existing challenges.
Right: The right-leaning perspective stresses the importance of individual freedom for doctors to work privately and the role of the private sector in complementing public healthcare. It may criticize excessive regulation as bureaucratic and potentially ineffective, emphasizing market solutions and the existing mechanisms already in place.
