Greater “opening” of the National Health System (NHS) is sought by the Ministry of Health.

In addition to the possibility for doctors in public hospitals to have a private practice or do private work alongside their employment in the NHS, the freedom to do the reverse is also being offered.

In other words, private doctors can be involved in the operation of hospitals by, inter alia, ‘renting’ operating theatres for operations.

As provided for by the addition of a provision in the Ministry of Health’s bill “Public Health Actions – Regulations for the strengthening of the National Health System”, which is currently being passed by the plenary session of the Parliament, private doctors of all specialties are allowed to cooperate with hospitals of the NHS.

This, according to the bill, can be done by involving private doctors in the operation of outpatient clinics, in the performance of diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional procedures outside regular working hours.

Also, private doctors can carry out surgical procedures or other invasive operations that require a hospital stay beyond the daily hospital stay.

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The participation of private doctors in the operation of public hospitals requires the permission of the Governor or President of the hospital concerned, at the request of the private doctor and on the recommendation of the Director of the Medical Service, taking into account the need to ensure that the hospital is open all day and the conclusion of a written agreement.

The details of the “entry” of private doctors into the NHS will be determined by a Joint Ministerial Decision (Finance and Health).

The decision is reportedly expected in about ten days and will set out the criteria and conditions that private doctors must meet, the terms of the agreement, the hospital’s compensation for the use of infrastructure and equipment, the specificity of penalties, and any other relevant issue.