Money, people and technology: changes by 2027

In financing, a shift is planned to move the funding of residential facilities under regional self-governments and to launch the dependency allowance at the turn of the year, which should bring an additional 200 to 300 million euros into the system. The money will be managed directly by the client, who will choose which services to use it for—growth in home and outpatient care and greater flexibility of provision are expected. Workforce stabilization is also key: retaining more experienced people, recruiting new ones, training them, and reducing turnover. At the same time, the ministry wants to target part of the subsidies specifically at modernization and digitalization—technologies that ease the burden on staff and make care more efficient.

Quality, measurement and European learning

A supervisory institution has been established that oversees not only finances but also quality—this is a first, more punitive step. More important will be to systematically introduce quality metrics, share good practice, and connect stakeholders in innovation and digitalization. Barriers to care integration are often “in people’s heads,” but also in legislation or disconnected systems; the solution is to seek consensus across sectors, not to take up entrenched positions.

The department declares an open-door policy, values critical feedback as well, and holds field meetings in the regions. Right now there is a “window” for transformation—with legislation open and a willingness to listen. Slovakia wants to actively engage in the European discussion and benchlearning, where it can contribute the experience and results of its teams, which achieve quality care even under challenging conditions.