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Parliament passed amendments to the Health Act at first reading, allowing measures to be introduced after the end of the March 31 emergency.

The bill was supported by 121 lawmakers, 24 against and 39 abstentions.

The law creates a legal opportunity after the elimination of the emergency epidemic situation, when necessary, the Minister of Health, at the suggestion of the Chief State Health Inspector, to be able to introduce anti-epidemic measures throughout the country or for a particular area.

Parliament began work by discussing at first reading amendments to the Health Insurance Act

The parliamentary group of "There is such a people" (ITN) announced that it will insist on changes between the two readings of the Health Act, said at a briefing Andrey Chorbanov from the parliamentary group.

"In principle, our group supported the law with the idea that some of the texts are absolutely mandatory," he said. He said there were many things they disagreed with. although no state of emergency has been declared, "he said. 

Chorbanov insisted that the powers of the Minister of Health be defined to a very large extent.

"We believe that the Minister should have his responsibilities in a real situation in which there is no such situation, but no additional powers should be given to allow the imposition of measures that are valid for the entire population," he said. and clarified that it is about the introduction of anti-epidemic measures such as wearing masks, the presentation of green certificates.

Chorbanov also questioned the empowerment of regional health inspectorates, which in some places could declare epidemic situations without this being coordinated with the central government. 

"We want to be prepared, the state to be prepared in any emergency situation to be able to react adequately, but to be according to established rules that will not depend on the opinion of one person," said the MP.  

Health law

adopted amendments at first reading