Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Šime Erlić, Minister of Health Vili Beroš, CFCA Director Dragan Jelić, and Director of the Croatian Institute for Emergency Medicine Maja Grba-Bujević signed two contracts valued at 26.5 million euros to enhance emergency medical services.
“The formal act of signing the contracts is less significant than the message we are sending—that the government is genuinely improving the healthcare system and strengthening the availability and quality of healthcare services,” said Minister Beroš.
The first contract pertains to the emergency helicopter medical service, valued at 11.75 million euros, while the second, worth 14.7 million euros, involves the procurement of 80 new, fully equipped road medical vehicles for county emergency medical service teams. The funding is non-repayable, sourced from European funds, with an implementation period of 30 months.
“Emergency medical services are extremely important as they are the first to respond when people need help. In this area, we have made several advancements—revamping the emergency medical network, introducing a fleet of fast boats (six so far, with five more planned), and implementing an emergency helicopter medical service worth over 62 million euros,” the minister noted.
Highlighting the significance of the helicopter service, Beroš reported 612 interventions since its establishment: 291 in Split, 281 in Krk (Rijeka), 39 in Zagreb, and 10 in Osijek.
“As for the second project, 80 new road vehicles are being procured, equipped for modern telemedicine communication with healthcare facilities to which patients are transported, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services,” said Beroš.
Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Šime Erlić emphasized the government’s and ministry’s commitment to ensuring balanced development across all regions of Croatia, offering equal opportunities for all citizens, including in this crucial area of healthcare.
“These funds demonstrate that the government has a mission and vision to improve the healthcare system, reflected in over 500 million euros of investment in health,” he stated.
CFCA Director Dragan Jelić expressed satisfaction with being a partner in these projects.
“The signing of these contracts marks a new step in strengthening the Croatian healthcare system. These projects are not merely technical in nature but are essential for preserving the lives and health of our citizens, representing a moral obligation towards all our people,” he declared.
Source/Photo: HINA
