CzechRep lacks money for anti-drug policy, may use EU funds - PM

The Czech state budget is short of 101 million crowns for anti-drugs policy this year, Prime Minister Andrej Babis (ANO) said today, adding that the government will check whether the sum can be drawn from the EU money designated for the country. The money is needed to finance experts and the operation of centres for the prevention of drug addictions, Babis said after a meeting of the government council for coordination of anti-drug policy. The debate also focused on the possibility of health insurers covering the treatment for drug-addicted patients. The budget of the Government Office's anti-drug department, headed by theprime minister, is projected at 130 million crowns this year. Babis said an additional 71 million is needed for wages and further experts. Another 30 million are needed to prevent gambling addiction, Babis said