Slovak Cities Launch Talks on Youth Drug Crisis as Emergency Cases Double

The Union of Slovak Towns and Cities has initiated discussions on addressing the growing problem of psychoactive substances among minors after dramatic increases in emergency cases. Milan Galk, head of the children's emergency department at Banská Bystrica hospital, reported treating 85 intoxicated child patients in 2024, a figure that has already reached 140 cases in early 2025. The sharp rise in drug-related incidents among young people has prompted local government officials to seek coordinated action to address what appears to be an escalating public health crisis affecting Slovak youth.