The overwhelming pressure on child psychiatrists’ clinics is a well-known issue, but finding appointments with speech therapists, neurologists, or allergists within two weeks has become virtually impossible. A January survey of over a thousand medical offices by the Association of Ambulatory Specialists revealed severe capacity shortages, with some clinics forced to extend their operating hours – yet this hasn’t translated into faster patient intake.
The situation remains critical, with no improvement over the past year, according to Association chairman Zorjan Jojko. Most nephrologists and speech therapists can’t offer appointments sooner than three months, while over a third of allergists and endocrinologists have waiting times of at least three months for new patients.
Child psychiatry faces the most severe challenges, with 80% of practitioners booking appointments three or more months ahead. While follow-up visits for existing patients are somewhat faster, new patients face significant delays. Only surgical departments and half of ENT specialists can accommodate patients within two weeks.
Health Minister Vlastimil Válek suggests a potential solution: having general practitioners manage uncomplicated chronic patients, with specialists involved only when changes occur. This initiative is supported by expanded GP prescribing powers for chronic patients since January. However, GPs are already overwhelmed, facing increasing responsibilities while many approach retirement age.
The government’s strategy relies on distributing patients across more doctors and providing financial support for less attractive specialties. Meanwhile, Minister Válek places responsibility for long waiting times on health insurance companies, noting that chronic patients might be financially more attractive to specialists than new ones.