Health Care in Transformation: Care – Data – Costs - AmCham, American Chamber of Commerce in the Slovak Republic

Health Care in Transformation: Care – Data – Costs

Tuesday, Mar 03, 2026 From 08:30 to 15:00

Jurkovičova Tepláreň, Bottova 1, Bratislava

Conference

SPONSORED BY:

Healthcare in Transformation: CARE, DATA, COST

PROGRAM

Slovakia faces a profound demographic shift, with an aging population that demands innovative approaches to healthcare and social systems. Investing in digital health technologies can enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and reduce pressure on healthcare infrastructure. To ensure a high quality of life and to remain competitive, we need to address these issues to foster economic growth and social well-being.

8:30 REGISTRATION

9:00 OPENING REMARKS

9:10 DEMOGRAPHY, DATA, AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT

A healthy population means higher labor productivity, which results in higher GDP. Making employees healthier lowers the probability of early exits from the labor market, early retirement, and lower public spending.

9:30 MINISTERIAL DEBATE Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World

How will the demographic evolution impact the state budget, patient access, and health data governance? How will demographic shifts and labor market trends shape the future of healthcare work in Slovakia?

10:30 DATA BATTLE

Over the past few years, several analytical reports have sparked broad discussions. Now, the latest analytical material from 2025, prepared by IZA, NCZI, and ÚHP using OECD and other relevant data sources, provides a fresh basis for action. Based on these findings, what concrete steps should policymakers and stakeholders prioritize to address systemic challenges and improve healthcare outcomes in Slovakia?

11:30 NETWORKING BREAK

12:00 SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE: BALANCING AFFORDABILITY, ACCESS AND INNOVATION

Inflation and labor market pressures, increasing costs in healthcare, and the growing number of complex, high-cost cases are straining budgets. Balancing affordability with access to quality care and medical innovation will be critical for the future of Slovak healthcare.

Marián Faktor: Excessive Cost Growth
Samuel Hollis: Innovate or stagnate?: How science can drive us forward, together.
Ana Dodea: Investing in Life: Why Oncology Must Be One of Our Healthcare Priorities
Matej Kubriczky and Pavol Griger: Silver Economy: Longevity as opportunity

13:00 WHAT SHOULD BE THE PRIORITIES OF THE FUTURE MINISTER?

A panel discussion featuring shadow ministers from democratic parties will provide an in-depth perspective on the key steps the incoming minister should take to strengthen the healthcare sector.

14:00 CLOSING REMARKS & LUNCH at WERK

CARE

Slovakia has a unique opportunity to significantly improve health outcomes by strengthening prevention, screening, and treatment systems. Each year, thousands of lives could be saved through better preventive care and early detection of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. By prioritizing preventive measures and modernizing care, Slovakia can close the gap with the EU average and help citizens live longer, healthier lives, and create a more resilient healthcare system.

DATA

Slovakia’s demographic shift toward an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities for innovation. With a growing population over 65 years and with more citizens living longer, there is a strong need for modernizing health and social services to meet evolving needs. Embracing digital health solutions, improving access to medicines, and supporting clinical research can transform patient care and position Slovakia as a leader in healthcare modernization building resilient healthcare system.

COST

Investing in efficiency, transparency, and modern technologies, including AI, offer a clear path to reducing inequality and improving access to care. By optimizing funding allocation, leveraging EU resources, and implementing digitalization, Slovakia can lower out-of-pocket costs and strengthen trust in healthcare institutions. These improvements would not only enhance patient well-being but also deliver significant economic benefits, reducing productivity losses and boosting confidence in governance.