AmCham Slovakia

Healthcare in Transformation: CARE, DATA, COST

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.

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PROGRAM OF THE CONFERENCE

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.

• Henrieta Tulejová, Partner, Advance Healthcare Management Institute

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

How will its 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?

• Kamil Šaško, Minister of Healthcare of the Slovak Republic 
• Erik Tomáš, Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, and Family of the Slovak Republic (tbc)
• Moderated by Zlatica Puškárová 

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?

• Adam Marek, Department Director, Value for Money Unit, Ministry of Finance SR
• Veronika Rybanská, IZA - Analytical Institute of the Ministry of Health SR
• Martin Smatana, Analyst
• Martin Vlachynský, Analyst, INESS - Institute of Economic and Social Studies 
• Moderated by Zlatica Puškárová 

11:30 NETWORKING BREAK

12:00 COSTS ARE RISING. WHAT TO DO NEXT?

Inflation and labor market pressures, increasing drug prices, 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. 

• Moderated by Zlatica Puškárová 

13:00 LUNCH

14:00 WHAT SHOULD BE THE PRIORITIES OF THE FUTURE MINISTER? 

• Vladimír Baláž, Shadow Minister of Healthcare, SMER-Sociálna demokracia 
• Oskar Dvořák, Shadow Minister of Healthcare, Progresívne Slovensko
• Peter Stachura, Shadow Minister of Healthcare, Kresťanskodemokratické hnutie
• Tomáš Szalay, Shadow Minister of Healthcare, Sloboda a Solidarita
• Kamil Šaško, Minister of Healthcare, HLAS - sociálna demokracia 
• Viliam Novotný, Shadow Minister of Healthcare, Demokrati
• Moderated by Zlatica Puškárová