A recent international survey conducted by pharmaceutical company STADA reveals a growing dissatisfaction among Czechs with their healthcare system. The study shows that one-third of the population is unhappy with how healthcare functions in the country, marking a significant decline in recent years.
The main culprits behind this dissatisfaction are difficulties in scheduling doctor appointments, limited access to care, and a lack of trust in politicians. These issues have led to a notable drop in satisfaction levels, from 83% in 2021 to just 68% this year.
Martin Šlégl, STADA’s General Director for the Czech Republic, notes a clear trend: “As dissatisfaction worsens, people are taking health into their own hands. A significant portion of Czechs no longer rely on the system itself but are trying to be proactive”.
The survey, which included 46,000 participants from 23 countries, highlighted that about 40% of Czechs are frustrated with the poor availability of medical examination appointments. However, the situation is not as dire as in Hungary, where over 70% of people face this issue.
Interestingly, Czechs stand out as European leaders in the use of dietary supplements, possibly as a way to compensate for perceived shortcomings in the healthcare system.
The study also revealed a deep distrust in politicians shaping health policies, with 66% of Czechs expressing scepticism – the highest rate among all countries surveyed and significantly above the European average of 46%.
As the Czech healthcare system grapples with these challenges, it’s clear that rebuilding trust and improving access to care will be crucial steps in reversing this concerning trend.