How a pediatrician/therapist can open an office in Slovakia

The health care system in Slovakia is experiencing a shortage of medical personnel, especially first contact specialists. Current general practitioners and paediatricians find it extremely difficult to cope with the growing demand for medical services, which makes Slovakia a good place for development in this field. Regional differences in the supply of medical personnel also play a significant role: in the capital, Bratislava, there is an acute shortage of nurses, while in Košice there is a greater shortage of doctors. At the same time, general practitioners and paediatricians are in demand in all regions of the country.

What opportunities there are for foreign paediatricians and general practitioners in Slovakia

The shortage of specialists and the ageing of existing staff threaten the sustainability of health care for children. According to the Slovak Ministry of Health data for 2023, there was a shortage of about 223 paediatricians in the country. The option of opening an office or a network of first contact specialist offices looks more attractive in regions where there is a shortage but lower costs of maintaining and opening an office.

Primary care physicians play a key role in the Slovak health care system. However, according to the Ministry of Health as of 2023, the country was short of about 400 general practitioners for adults. The shortage of general practitioners is felt in all regions, which makes them particularly in demand.

Regional differences and maps of health personnel shortages

The situation with the shortage of medical personnel in Slovakia differs from region to region.

The maps below show the distribution of the shortage of medical personnel in different regions of Slovakia:

These maps clearly show in which areas of the country there is the most acute shortage of medical personnel and where foreign specialists could be realised with the greatest benefit for themselves and the Slovak health care system.

How to get up to 60,000 euros from the state to open an office

In 2022, the Slovak government introduced a subsidy programme aimed at stimulating the opening of new offices of general practitioners and paediatricians. Under this programme, up to 60,000 euros are allocated for each doctor who opens an office. These funds can be used to set up the office, purchase the necessary equipment and initial operating costs. This measure aims to address the shortage of specialists and improve access to health services throughout the country.

Stages of obtaining support:

1. Moving to Slovakia and legalisation of residence:

Obtaining a residence permit: If you are not an EU citizen, the first step is to obtain a residence permit (HND) in Slovakia. This will require a reason, such as a labour contract or starting a business. A temporary residence permit can be obtained from the Alien Police.
Work permit: It is important for foreign professionals to obtain a work permit if they plan to be employed in a Slovak clinic or hospital. And for this you will need to go through the following steps.

2.Learning a language:

Slovak Language Courses for Medical Professionals: Working in the medical field requires knowledge of the Slovak language, as all documentation and interaction with patients takes place in the local language. Courses can be taken either before or on the spot. It is recommended to reach a level of at least B2.
Examination preparation: In order to work in medicine in Slovakia, you need to pass examinations to prove your language skills and professional qualifications.

How the Supplementary Exam for Medical Professionals (Doplňujúca skúška) Went >>>>>>

3. Diploma Nostrification:

If your diploma was obtained outside Slovakia, you need to have it recognised (nostrification). The process involves submitting your diploma to the Ministry of Health, which determines whether your level of education meets Slovak standards. Sometimes additional internships or examinations may be required.

4. Obtaining a medical licence:

After the diploma is recognised, it is necessary to apply to the regional health authority for a medical licence. This will allow you to practise medicine legally in Slovakia.

5. Opening an office and receiving a grant:

Business registration: In order to open a private GP's or paediatrician's office, you need to register a legal entity (e.g. a sole proprietor or s.r.o.). This can be done through the Slovak Commercial Register.
Applying for a subsidy: The state offers financial support for opening medical surgeries. Grants for opening an office can be up to 60,000 euros and are aimed at covering the costs of equipment, renting premises, advertising, etc.
To apply for a grant, it is necessary to apply to the Ministry of Health or other state structures involved in supporting medical projects. It is important to collect all the required documents: business plan, proof of licence, premises lease agreement, etc.

6. Receiving a grant and controlling the use of funds:

Once an application is submitted and approved, the funds are transferred to the company's account. The state will monitor the use of the funds to ensure that they are actually used for the development of the medical business. Financial reports and proof of expenditure are a mandatory part of fulfilling the conditions of the grant.

7. Cabinet launch and marketing:

Once the funds are received, it is necessary to set up the office, purchase equipment, sign contracts with suppliers of medical supplies and start attracting patients. Marketing in local media and via the Internet will help to attract the attention of the region's residents.

Opening an office in Slovakia with state support requires careful preparation and compliance with all legal procedures. The subsidy system allows you to cover a significant part of the costs, and Med-Integro can support you through all the steps of integration and relocation, making the process affordable and attractive for doctors wishing to start their practice in the country.

Who is a guarantor (odborný zástupca) and what is his role?

In Slovakia, it is possible to open an office of a general practitioner or paediatrician with a guarantor (odborný zástupca) who can support the activities of the medical institution. This is especially useful for foreign specialists who need time to prove their qualifications. In this case, the guarantor can be responsible for the medical practice in the clinic until you have completed the qualification process and are fully authorised to work independently.

Highlights:

1. The role of ‘odborný zástupca’ (guarantor):

A guarantor is a licensed medical professional who lends his or her name and qualifications to support a new medical facility. The guarantor can be part-time or consultative, and does not have to be a permanent employee of the clinic.
Under his or her ‘auspices,’ you will be able to get started, allowing you to provide services to patients right away while you complete the credentialing process.

2. Confirmation of qualification:

Once you have successfully completed the qualification confirmation process in Slovakia, the guarantor will no longer be needed. This means that you will be able to work as an independent professional with a full medical licence without the need for further cooperation with a guarantor.
It is important to comply with all requirements for the qualification, including passing exams and completing the necessary internships.

This process allows you to open an office and start practising medicine faster, minimising the time delays associated with the recognition of qualifications.

Assistance to foreign medical professionals

Med-integrо provides comprehensive support to foreign medical professionals who would like to work in Slovakia. We recognise that moving to a new country and integrating into its healthcare system can be challenging.

To address these challenges, Med-integrо offers the following opportunities for foreign physicians:

Relocation and administrative support

Support in the process of nostrification of diplomas and obtaining licences.
Assistance with visa and migration issues.
Support in adapting to life and work in Slovakia, including Slovak language courses for medics.

Employment

Assist in job search in health facilities experiencing an acute shortage of paediatricians.
Preparation for interviews and employment contracts.
Advice on working conditions and legal aspects of employment.

With our help, you can successfully integrate into the new healthcare system, find a job and become part of the professional community.

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