'Slovakia' Party Criticises Ambulance Tender, Calls on Sasko to Resign

Bratislava, 1 August (TASR) - The opposition 'Slovakia' party told a news conference on Friday that the tender to operate ambulance services has been prepared for people agreed upon in advance, arguing that a company called Agel has bought 86 ambulances even before the conclusion of the tender. Therefore, the party has called on Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) to resign from his post. Referring to media reports, 'Slovakia' pointed out that the Agel group reportedly bought 86 ambulances in the village of Vlkanova for €12 million even before the end of the competition. It emphasised that the company did so before the results of the tender were announced. The party therefore claims that the tender had its winners chosen by the health minister in advance. Party representatives criticised the Health Ministry for secretly deciding on the distribution of €2 billion intended for treating patients in Slovakia. MP and former health minister Marek Krajci ('Slovakia', For the People, Christian Union/KU) therefore called on President Peter Pellegrini, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok to dismiss Sasko from the health minister post. The tender terms have also been criticised by other opposition parties and the Doctors Trade Union Association (LOZ), which view them as non-transparent. They also have doubts about the selection commission, whose members the ministry intends to publish only after the tender is over. Pellegrini has urged the minister to ensure legal compliance in the process. The Health Ministry has stated that the selection process will be conducted properly, transparently and in accordance with set rules. Agel SK has told TASR that it won't comment on the matter at this time. ko/df