The Ministry of Health is launching a comprehensive transformation programme that will culminate in the merger of the Institute of Postgraduate Education in Health Care (IPVZ) and the National Centre for Nursing and Non-Medical Health Professions (NCO NZO) on 1 January 2027.
The aim is to create a modern, efficient and stable institution dedicated to the lifelong education and professional development of medical and non-medical healthcare professionals.
The transformation will take place in four consecutive phases: preparation, implementation, transition and stabilisation. The Ministry of Health will coordinate the entire process in cooperation with both organisations, ensuring continuity of educational activities, accredited programmes and all other services throughout the transition.
By merging the two institutions, we are creating a modern and strong organisation that will ensure high-quality postgraduate education for healthcare professionals over the long term. Our priority is to make the entire process well managed and transparent, without any disruption to educational activities or services. At the same time, we are creating the conditions for more efficient use of professional expertise, better coordination of education and stronger support for the Czech healthcare system.
Adam Vojtěch, Minister of Health
All legal, organisational, financial and technical measures required for the merger will be prepared during 2026. These preparations will include establishing a new organisational structure, harmonising internal regulations, transferring employees, assets and contractual obligations, integrating information systems and securing all necessary accreditations.
The continuity of educational activities will be maintained throughout the transformation. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the education and training of doctors and non-medical healthcare professionals, as well as certification and specialist examinations, residency programmes and other professional activities, will continue without interruption.
The psychosocial intervention service, crisis helplines and support for healthcare professionals arriving from abroad will also continue to operate throughout the transition.
By bringing together the professional expertise and long-standing traditions of both institutions, we are creating a stronger organisation that will be better equipped to respond to the evolving needs of the Czech healthcare system. Our shared goal is to provide high-quality, modern and accessible education for healthcare professionals across all disciplines, based on collaboration and partnership, while creating the conditions for lifelong professional development. By combining our expertise, experience and resources, we will strengthen the quality of educational programmes and their ability to respond to changing needs in healthcare practice
Irena Maříková, Director of IPVZ and NCO NZO.
Following the establishment of the successor organisation, the integration of processes, information systems and organisational structures will continue throughout 2027. From 2028 onwards, the new institution is expected to operate fully within its standard organisational framework, with a focus on the continued development of healthcare professionals’ education and training.
The merger is expected to bring more efficient management, better coordination of educational activities and a unified professional infrastructure, while creating stable conditions for the long-term development of lifelong education and professional development in Czech healthcare.
