The sanatorium in Pasohlávky will be important for the whole republic, said Fiala

Pasohlávky - The Rehabilitation Institute Sanatorium Pálava in Pasohlávky, located in the Brno region, will be important not only for South Moravia but for the whole republic. During the laying of the foundation stone today, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) stated this. The institute will complement the backbone network of neurorehabilitation centers, of which there are currently three in the country. However, none of them are in Moravia, and the connection with clinics in the region is crucial, emphasized Health Minister Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09). The institute will start trial operations in January 2026.

"We excel in acute care, but we have reserves in follow-up care. This project will also enhance the backbone network and contribute to making follow-up care accessible," said Fiala. The total cost of the construction is 784 million crowns excluding VAT, with 289 million crowns covered by grants from the National Recovery Plan. "I am glad that we are able to direct money from the European Union to such projects that truly serve the citizens. I am also pleased that we are collaborating with Masaryk University to secure staffing," the Prime Minister added.

The rehabilitation institute aims to provide follow-up care for patients after severe and critical conditions in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, traumatology, and orthopedics. It will offer 214 beds. "It will serve for neurorehabilitation, the goal of which is for a patient, for example after a stroke, to start rehabilitating as soon as possible and as effectively as possible in the follow-up phase. Thanks to this, they will regain mobility, not have speech disorders, be able to return to work, and live not only a long life but also a quality one," said Válek.

In the Czech Republic, such rehabilitation centers exist in Kladruby, Hrabyně, and Luže-Košumberk. "Their capacity is relatively high, but such a facility is lacking in Moravia, and we are concerned about connectivity. It is essential that neurosurgical clinics have their own neurorehabilitation facilities to which they can refer patients. Thanks to Sanatorium Pálava, we will have a capacity of well over a thousand patients in the republic, which will be sufficient. A unique addition will be the local natural resources of thermal sulfur water," Válek added.

The contractor is the company Sanatorium Pálava VCES – SPIE Stangl. The construction company began preparations at the construction site last December and started excavation work in mid-January. They are currently working on the foundation, which involves drilling 75 piles. Simultaneously, the project documentation for the construction is being created. Masaryk University also opened a certified neurorehabilitation course in January, whose participants may find employment in the newly established facility in the future.

The operation and management of the sanatorium has been entrusted by the region to its organization, Jihomoravská zdravotní, a.s. "We are working on synchronizing the internal equipment with the construction and securing the staff, which will likely be one of the most complicated tasks for our company. More than 150 people are expected to work here. The location of the new facility is outside the urban area, but we can offer people solutions that will convince them that this is the right destination for their work. We are discussing securing transport for employees that would be free of charge or building accommodation. Financial compensation is also important. As a doctor, I would consider it a benefit to work in a new, supermodern facility," said Chairman Martin Pavlík.

The placement of the sanatorium in the fields, near the Nové Mlýny reservoir, is considered an advantage for patients by Minister Válek. "Part of neurorehabilitation includes walks, movement. Where could it be better for them than at Pálava, where there are bodies of water, bike paths, and nature," he added. According to Pasohlávky Mayor Martina Dominová (Moravané), the construction does not affect life in the village. In the future, the institute could positively influence employment and the budget, she said.

Near the emerging institute, there is also a spa complex planned by the Chinese company RiseSun. The project has a zoning decision and is expected to obtain a building permit by the end of the year. According to Governor Jan Grolich (KDU-ČSL), the Chinese investor promises to fulfill this. Even if the spa does not materialize, it does not diminish the purpose of the sanatorium in his opinion. "There will be people recovering from brain injuries; experts will be there to help them back on their feet. There will not be clients who would utilize the spa," he believes.