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"I firmly believe that a reform or change of healthcare cannot be implemented by the end of this government's term. So I don't find taking the post a challenge. It would only be a challenge if I could take on a comprehensive reworking of the system," he noted at a conference on management in healthcare in Portorož.

He moreover believes that a politician and not an expert is required at the ministry at the moment. According to him, Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek could take over and appoint several state secretaries, who would run things at the ministry, while she would adopt measures at the governmental level.

Marušič told the STA that the new minister would need complete support of all parliamentary parties to take on the healthcare system, as otherwise they would only be a figurehead. Such a confrontation demands an unusual political will, he added.

According to him, the government and the entire coalition must finally realize that health is everybody's priority and healthcare the only system that touches every citizen.

Touching on the topical issue of corruption in healthcare, Marušič, who was minister in 2010 and 2011 under the Borut Pahor government, said it was present, but it was by no means the only problem.

According to him, every time changes are being drafted in healthcare, a single priority appears. It used to be efficiency, then it was productivity, and now corruption is "the big hit".

"Corruption is present everywhere in the society and systemic solutions are needed. However it must not become the only priority, there are also other important measures that need to be implemented."

The former minister believes that healthcare service accessibility and improved independence of institutions are such priorities. Apart from that, he misses a strategic document on healthcare. "Slovenia doesn't have one today. We don't know what the state's strategy is."

Marušič also highlighted the problems with a shift to private healthcare and staffing. Not only is Slovenia one but last in the number of doctors per 100,000 people in Europe, the ratio between GPs and specialists is worrisome as well. While in Europe the ratio stands at 1:2, in Slovenia the ratio is 1:3 or even 1:4.

Health Minister Alenka Trop Skaza tendered her resignation Monday evening after only a month in office due to what she said were "allegations, misinformation and pressure" that she and her family have faced since the day she was appointed.