Public healthcare on sale

The “Public Healthcare on Sale” project responds to the problem of limited and, in the applicant’s view, insufficiently inclusive public debate on changes to healthcare legislation and the organisation of the public healthcare system. The application states that proposed and partly adopted changes are difficult for much of the population to understand, while their possible consequences are often presented in simplified terms or through political interpretations. The project therefore identifies a need for accessible, professionally grounded information on the potential effects of the changes on access to healthcare services, public finances and patients’ rights. At the same time, it stresses that information alone is not enough: residents also need space and support to formulate questions, positions, demands and proposals and to use democratic instruments. A further challenge is to connect expert knowledge, the experiences of healthcare users and practical avenues for civic response, while broadening the discussion beyond expert and political circles. The results document summarises these challenges through two intended changes: greater public awareness of opportunities to participate in democratic processes and stronger participation of residents in those processes.

The project aims to improve the quality of public debate on the future of public healthcare, increase public awareness, and empower residents to participate in democratic processes on an informed basis. It will be implemented nationally over six months. At least five public events, designed as citizens’ assemblies and workshops, are planned: at least three in person at different locations and two online. Health, legal and other experts will explain specific changes, their possible consequences and respond to participants’ questions. Participants will then work through open discussions and smaller groups to formulate questions, proposals and demands and to consider possible democratic responses. The conclusions will be systematically collected and translated into concrete proposals or tools, such as a petition, parliamentary questions or a draft legislative proposal, with the exact choice depending on the current context. The project will also produce at least ten short informational videos and disseminate information and results to a wider audience through social media, websites, newsletters and existing networks. The results document directly links these activities to greater public awareness and stronger participation in democratic processes.

The project aims to achieve a combination of direct results and broader impacts. Its measurable direct results include the participation of 150 people in public and online citizens’ assemblies and the production of at least 10 short informational videos, which together will reach at least 10,000 views. In addition, at least three concrete proposals or tools for civic action will be developed, together with a plan for their use. Possible examples include a petition, parliamentary questions, and a draft legislative proposal. Among direct participants, the project expects to improve understanding of the proposed changes, strengthen their ability to assess the possible consequences, and increase their willingness to participate in democratic processes. The direct target group consists of residents, insured persons, and current, future, and potential users of healthcare services from different age, professional, and social groups. The wider public will benefit from publicly accessible, expert-supported content. Indirect target groups also include civil society organisations, the professional community, the media, members of parliament, political parties, public institutions, and other decision-makers, who will be able to use the results for further public information, monitoring of the legislative process, public advocacy and debate.