In a bid to address concerns about hospitals charging fees for basic accommodations, the Czech Ministry of Health is proposing a new regulation that would allow parents to stay with their child in the hospital without incurring extra charges. The proposal aims to eliminate instances where hospitals charge fees, even for providing a chair next to a child’s bed. According to the ministry’s proposal, one parent should be allowed to stay with their child without any charges, while paid options will still be available.

Deputy Minister of Health Josef Pavlovic emphasized the importance of ensuring the right of parents to be present with their child in the hospital, stating, “For example, a chair next to the bed should be free as an absolute minimum.” The proposal comes as a response to concerns raised about hospitals charging fees for basic amenities that should be provided without extra cost.

It is already a legal right for a parent, foster parent, or guardian to stay continuously in the hospital with a minor child. The Ministry of Health aims to prevent the abuse of fees and plans to include in the Health Services Act that payment cannot be demanded before allowing a parent to stay with their child in the hospital. If approved, the amendment could take effect from January of the following year.

The move follows a complaint against the Faculty Thomayer Hospital in Prague last year, where fees were charged for a “companion chair” in a standard room. The Czech Helsinki Committee protested against this practice, deeming it unethical and illegal. The proposed regulation would clarify that fees can only be charged for the stay of a close person or companion with a hospitalized child if they opt for a bed or extra bed, avoiding additional charges for basic accommodations.

However, challenges arise from the limited building dispositions of hospitals, making it difficult to accommodate beds for parents in rooms. Advocates argue that providing a chair next to the bed and then charging for it is not a solution, especially for parents facing the stress of having a seriously ill child. The proposed regulation seeks to strike a balance between fair access to accommodations and the financial considerations of hospitals.

Article by Prague Forum