Due to the increasing number of foreign workers coming from countries with high rates of infectious diseases, Croatia plans to introduce mandatory health screenings for all foreign workers upon entry into the country. The screenings will include physical examinations and laboratory tests for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, typhoid fever, HIV, and other infectious diseases, as well as verification of vaccination status. This measure aims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect public health. Experts emphasize the need to standardize the system and address funding issues for the screenings. This initiative responds to recorded cases of tuberculosis among foreign workers in Croatia.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the public health benefits of mandatory health screenings for foreign workers, highlighting the protection of both the local population and the workers themselves. They stress the importance of humane treatment and adequate healthcare access for migrant workers, and call for transparent and fair implementation of the policy without stigmatization.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the introduction of mandatory health screenings as a necessary public health measure in response to documented cases of infectious diseases among foreign workers. They focus on the practical aspects of implementation, including the challenges of standardizing procedures and financing, and the importance of preventing disease spread while maintaining labor market needs.
Right: Right-leaning sources may emphasize the need for stricter controls on immigration and foreign workers to protect national health and security. They might highlight the risks posed by incoming workers from countries with high disease rates and support the mandatory screenings as a way to safeguard the domestic population. There may also be a focus on the economic impact and the responsibility of foreign workers to comply with health regulations.