Zagreb - Opposition MPs on Wednesday criticised amendments to the Health Care Act, particularly the abolition of mandatory internships for several categories of health workers, warning it could lead to unequal competencies.
However, they welcomed stricter employment conditions for healthcare staff, especially the prohibition of work for those facing criminal charges or convictions for sexual offences and child abuse.
The fast-tracked amendments tighten requirements for opening private practices and hiring in healthcare institutions. Anyone involved in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures must not have ongoing criminal proceedings or a final conviction for sexual crimes or child exploitation. If convicted, the employer must terminate their contract.
Internships and state certification exams will be scrapped for professions such as midwives, physiotherapy technicians, radiology technicians, and dental and pharmaceutical assistants. Instead, a supervised work period of up to three months will be introduced for first-time employees.
The case of a gynecologist in Osijek, who raped patients yet continued practicing, prompted the law changes, said SDP MP Marija Lugarić. She questioned why the law only considers sexual crimes disqualifying, and not crimes against life, dignity, or public health.
Health Ministry State Secretary Tomislav Dulibić responded that the specific offences were chosen to address the Osijek case and serve the law's purpose. He noted that the healthcare workforce grew from 65,000 in 2016 to 78,000 in 2025, with more doctors, nurses, and technicians.
NPS MP Ivica Baksa criticised the bill for not addressing chronic staffing shortages, citing the lack of over 4,000 nurses, 284 GPs, and more than 100 pediatricians.
SDP MP Branko Kolarić opposed the fast-track procedure and warned that eliminating internships would result in graduates lacking hands-on skills. He suggested mandatory practical hours during studies, but questioned whether facilities exist to support this.
Kolarić also argued that employment restrictions for those charged with sexual offences should apply to all healthcare workers, not just those directly involved in patient care.
Anka Mrak Taritaš (HSS, GLAS, DOSIP) was also against the amendments being discussed under fast-track procedure. While she supported the goal, she called the execution "sloppy" and said the entire healthcare law should have been comprehensively reformed. She also stated that the level of healthcare in Croatia is extremely poor and that the healthcare system has for years been "the biggest violator of citizens' rights", citing a lack of doctors and the absence of replacements for those who retire.