Ljubljana - Health Minister Danijel Bešič Loredan has established a strategic council to overhaul the health care system. The new body that has been in place since 1 October will come up with an outline proposal, including on the areas of digitalisation and health financing. The first starting points are expected by the end of the year.

By the end of March next year, the council is expected to produce an umbrella strategic document that will serve as the basis for relevant legislative changes. The strategic aim is "a new social agreement for the next 20 years", the Health Ministry said on Monday.

The council has been primarily tasked with preparing an outline proposal on systemic changes to improve the system, including healthcare alternatives for the next 20 years and a model for a public health service network that could combine both health and social services, either at regional or national level.

Potential changes to the public health insurance fund (ZZZS) will be discussed, and proposals made to step up digitalisation and intergenerational solidarity in healthcare.

The new nine-member council will be chaired by Tjaša Sobočan, who is with the Government Office for Digital Transformation.

Other members include Erik Brecelj, a prominent surgeon and a vocal critic of what is considered weak spots of Slovenia's healthcare, Grega Strban, a law expert with the Ljubljana Faculty of Law, and the ministry's State Secretary Azra Herceg.

The members have held four working meetings so far, and the first formal meeting will take place on 13 October. They were appointed for one year, with the possibility of re-appointment. The council is expected to meet formally once a month, with virtual meetings held in between.