Health policy in Slovenia
Mission and structure of the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia (MZ) is the central governmental body responsible for developing and implementing national health policy and supervising the entire healthcare system. Its mission is to ensure a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable public healthcare system based on solidarity, equity, and patient-centered care.
The Ministry is headed by Dr. Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, who assumed office on 13 October 2023.
Organisationally, the Ministry is divided into several directorates, each covering key policy areas:
- Directorate for Public Health
- Directorate for Healthcare Services
- Directorate for Accessibility and Health Economics
- Directorate for Digitalisation in Healthcare
In addition, the Ministry includes several specialised offices, such as the Emergency Medical Services and Crisis Response Office, the European Funds Office, and the Office for Cooperation with the World Health Organization.
Institutions operating under the Ministry of Health
Several bodies operate under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia (MZ), performing specialised professional, executive, and developmental administrative tasks, as well as inspection and supervisory duties, and responsibilities related to public services.
The main institutions under the Ministry’s authority include:
- Office of the Republic of Slovenia for the Monitoring, Quality and Investments in Healthcare – oversees the quality of healthcare services and manages healthcare-related investments.
- Health Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia – carries out inspections and ensures compliance with health legislation.
- Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia – responsible for the regulation and supervision of chemicals in Slovenia.
- Slovenian Radiation Protection Administration – ensures protection from ionising radiation and maintains safety in this field.
In addition to these bodies, the Ministry cooperates with several key national institutions essential for the functioning of the healthcare system, including:
- National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) – the central public health authority responsible for collecting and analysing data and developing national health guidelines.
- Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) – manages the compulsory health insurance system and finances healthcare services.
- Primary healthcare centres and hospitals – provide primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services throughout Slovenia (see more below).
- Private healthcare providers – operate under public concessions or independently, in accordance with national legislation and Ministry guidelines.
- Medical Chamber of Slovenia – the professional association of physicians, responsible for upholding medical standards and ethics.
The Slovenian healthcare system operates on three levels:
- Primary care – general medicine and basic health services,
- Secondary care – specialised and hospital services, and
- Tertiary care – advanced treatments, research, and clinical education.
More about the organisation of Slovenia’s healthcare system can be found here.
The Ministry of Health is committed to a comprehensive reform of the Slovenian healthcare system, with the following key strategic objectives:
Strengthening Primary Healthcare
Ensuring fair and equitable access to healthcare services as close as possible to individuals’ places of residence, with a strong focus on preventive healthcare.
Digitalisation of Healthcare
Accelerating the implementation of digital solutions to support clinical and administrative processes and enhance the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.
Human Resource Development
Preparation of the National Strategy for the Management and Development of Human Resources in Healthcare, defining long-term goals and directions for workforce planning and professional growth.
Ensuring Quality and Safety
Improving the quality of healthcare services and patient safety by ensuring consistent standards of care across all regions of Slovenia.
As part of the Healthcare System Reform Project, the Ministry of Health has identified the following priority areas:
- Digitalisation of healthcare
- Reform of the public sector pay system
- Addressing challenges in family and emergency medicine
- Structural reform of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS)
- Reform of governance and oversight in public healthcare institutions
- Regulation of absenteeism
- Concessions in healthcare services
- Healthcare workforce development
- Comprehensive reform of healthcare financing
- Modernisation of centralised public procurement