Slovak Healthcare System Riddled with Lobbyists and Lacks State Control, Says Audit Chief

The Slovak state has fatally failed in controlling its pharmaceutical policy, according to the chairman of the Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ), Slovakia's state financial watchdog. The audit chief described the healthcare system as resembling Swiss cheese, riddled with lobbyists who exploit gaps in oversight. The state lacks proper data and control mechanisms to track how limited healthcare resources are being used, resulting in patients—both children and adults—being unable to access expensive medications they need. The Supreme Audit Office has identified what it calls "corruption like lightning strikes" and is forwarding its findings to law enforcement agencies for potential criminal investigation. The revelations highlight systemic failures in Slovakia's healthcare administration, where inadequate state oversight has created opportunities for corruption while leaving vulnerable patients without essential medical care.