Government reportedly considering charges for health care and education

The government is considering introducing fees for some services that until now are provided free, possibly including health care and higher education. The idea is believed to have been discussed at an informal meeting of the Cabinet held out-of-town on Saturday, although those attending would not disclose any details of the plans. "One cannot rule out such spending cuts, but they would have to be proposed by specific ministers," commented Finance Minister Marek Belka when asked about the changes. He confirmed that e conomic targets had been discussed, and that these would require certain spending cuts. According to financial information service ISB, the initial version of Belka's plan envisages patients covering 10% of the cost of health care services and the introduction of fees for public higher ed ucation. (Zycie, p. 3) T.J.