In 2013 Slovakia spent an estimated 8.1% of GDP on healthcare. This was more than several of its regional peers, but lower than the OECD average. The quality of the healthcare system is sometimes poor, with low investment and a lack of modern equipment. Hospital indebtedness is a significant problem.
Pressures for higher spending will come from the wish to improve quality, salaries and, in the longer term, from significant population ageing. However, there are also significant pressures to reduce spending, as the government seeks to continue to bear down on the fiscal deficit and debt in the medium term. In the run-up to the general election due in March 2016, it is also seeking to cut health insurance contributions for the low-paid, to encourage employment and reduce the burden on households weary of austerity.
Cost-reduction measures are likely to focus on hospital operating costs, the provision of primary care services, and expenditure on Pharmaceuticals and some emergency services. Out-of-pocket spending and co-payments are likely to continue to increase, and at least some compulsory health insurance contributions are likely to rise.

Healthcare report 2

Healthcare spending 2

Healthcare provision 5

Pharma and biotech 7

Disease trends 9

Industry publishing schedule 12

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