Czech news in brief for October 25: Friday's top headlines

Czechia's outpatient specialists will not close their surgeries next Tuesday and Wednesday as had been originally planned, according to Health Minister Vlastimil Válek and Outpatient Specialists Association Chairman Zorjan Jojko. After week-long negotiations, they reached an agreement with the Health Ministry and health insurance companies on extra payments for care. According to the latest agreement, CZK 31 billion of the CZK 515 billion allocated for healthcare next year is planned for general practitioners.

The Czech branch of energy firm E.ON has announced that starting January 2025, over 700,000 E.ON customers in Czechia without fixed energy prices will see an 18-percent reduction in electricity costs. This marks the fifth energy price cut in two years, following two gas price reductions in 2024. Typical households could save up to CZK 12,000 annually for electric heating. E.ON credits favorable market conditions for these continued price cuts.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ) and Masaryk Oncology Institute have announced they are investigating the use of psychedelics to help cancer patients cope with depression and anxiety. By 2026, the study will assess the effects of a single dose of psilocybin or ketamine in 60 individuals. NUDZ explains that psychedelics can help patients process trauma, reduce fear of death, and find new meaning in life, particularly where traditional therapies fall short.

According to VZP spokesperson Viktorie Plívová, dozens of pharmacies in smaller Czech towns risk closure after the new year due to the end of a special health insurance contribution that offsets lower profits. The Chamber of Pharmacy estimates around 40 establishments are at risk. VZP stated that the criteria and funding, totaling CZK 48 million annually, remain unchanged. The news comes amid an unsettling time in the Czech healthcare system as doctor’s offices plan strikes.

The Chamber of Deputies Social Committee has recommended approving the government's pension reform, which will see people work longer. The reform includes gradually raising the retirement age by one month a year, capping it at 67 for those born after 1988. Members of parliaments rejected a proposal to adjust early retirement for physically demanding jobs. The current retirement age increase will continue, but at a slower pace than originally planned. 

Confidence in the Czech economy fell among entrepreneurs in October, but rose among consumers. The Czech Statistical Office reported that business confidence dropped by 0.8 points to 96 in October, due to limited demand and a shortage of qualified employees. Consumer confidence, however, increased by 2.8 points to 100.7. Despite this, a significant number of consumers still struggle to make ends meet.

The price of butter in Czech stores has risen by about a third since the beginning of the year, and preliminary data for October suggest that the growth will be even more dramatic. This increase is causing complications for households, bakeries, and confectioneries as it affects the prices of bakery and confectionery products, some of which could increase by five to ten percent. Food manufacturers and traders disagree on the reasons behind the sharp price rise.

Prague Airport has become a final destination instead of a transfer point due to Czech Airlines' (ČSA) bankruptcy. The airport has had to change its business strategy and focus more on passengers from its catchment area. The last commercial flight under the traditional code OK of ČSA will land in Prague on Oct. 26.

The 28th annual Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival begins today in Jihlava. The festival will last for ten days and will feature 340 films, many of which will have their world premiere. The opening film of the festival will be the documentary 'Prezidentka’, which explores the five-year term of former Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová.

Many guesthouses and cottages are already fully booked for the long weekend, with interest reported to be approximately a third higher than last year. Popular destinations include the Krkonoše, Beskydy, and Šumava mountains. On the contrary, areas impacted by the September flood have experienced a significant drop in tourism.