Croatia is introducing stricter criteria for doctors’ supplementary work in the public and private sectors. The new regulation includes control of waiting list lengths in primary institutions, working hours, workplace, and other factors. Doctors holding managerial positions or academic titles may receive negative points. A permit for supplementary work can be issued for only one institution for a year, and doctors must have at least five years of experience in the requested field. The goal is to increase transparency, control, and protection of the public healthcare system, as well as to reduce waiting lists. There are differing opinions on the regulation, with some believing it will not significantly affect waiting lists, while others welcome the additional control mechanisms.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the need for protecting public healthcare and ensuring transparency and fairness in doctors’ supplementary work. They focus on the potential benefits of reducing waiting times and preventing conflicts of interest between public and private sectors. Concerns about the impact on doctors’ rights and workload are also discussed.
Center: Centrist sources report the new regulation as a balanced approach to managing supplementary work of doctors, highlighting the goals of transparency, control, and reducing waiting lists. They present views from various stakeholders including healthcare authorities, hospital directors, and medical chambers, reflecting a pragmatic perspective on the regulation’s implementation and challenges.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the regulatory control and accountability aspects, supporting stricter oversight of doctors’ supplementary work to prevent abuse and inefficiency. They emphasize the importance of protecting the public healthcare system and ensuring that doctors fulfill their duties in public institutions before engaging in private practice.
