EC concerned about politicizing Czech hospital audits

The European Commission has expressed concern about the politicizing of hospital audits in the Czech Republic, the commission spokeswoman Shirin Wheeler told Czech Radio on Thursday. The commission ordered a probe into how 35 hospitals handled EU funds; the audits were carried out by the Czech Finance Ministry in June and July. But they have been criticized by several hospital directors as well as Health Minister Svatopluk who complained about their alleged arbitrariness and lack of transparency. The audits have also become sensitive due to local and Senate elections which are held in the Czech Republic next week. However, Ms Wheeler said the EC was upset by the politicization of the issue which could put the independence of the auditing body at risk.

Author: Jan Richter