Ivan Duškov, the newly appointed head of the General Health Insurance Company (VZP), is initiating a significant restructuring of the company's branch network by reducing the number of physical offices from six to just two. One office will be located in Prague to serve the entire Bohemia region, while the other will be based in Brno to cater to Moravia. This decision comes as a response to changing client behaviors, where a majority now prefer handling their insurance matters online rather than visiting branch offices.

Duškov highlighted that the shift towards digital solutions is not only a trend but a necessity, as nearly 2.4 million clients—approximately one-third of all VZP customers—have already activated the mobile application designed for various services such as submitting claims for optional vaccinations and registering newborns. This digital engagement demonstrates a clear move away from reliance on physical locations, prompting Duškov to justify the reduction in branch offices as no longer necessary for effective service delivery.

This restructuring will commence next month with plans to complete it by July. The implications of this decision are far-reaching; by streamlining the branch network, VZP aims to adapt more efficiently to the digital landscape, ultimately enhancing client convenience while reducing operational costs. However, this also raises questions about accessibility for clients who might still prefer face-to-face interactions, indicating a potential gap in service that could affect customer satisfaction in the transition to a predominantly online service model.