PM Fico Demands Transparency of Ambulance Tender, Threatens to Cancel It

Bratislava, 5 August (TASR) – If Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) fails to dispel doubts surrounding the ambulance service tender, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) will insist on cancelling it and restarting the competition, TASR learnt from Fico's social media post on Tuesday. Fico highlighted that questions have emerged regarding the major tender for emergency medical service providers, which need to be addressed. „Today I spoke with Health Minister Kamil Sasko and clearly outlined my position. I will not allow any doubts to damage the current government," Fico stated. He called on the Health Minister to publicly answer the questions causing concern. Sasko is expected to address the issue during a press conference on Monday, 11 August. „If the doubts are not objectively dispelled, or if the tender result in an obvious absurdity that weakens the state, I will insist on cancelling and repeating the tender. This approach will serve the interests of both the minister and the entire ruling coalition," the prime minister wrote. The tender has faced criticism not only from the opposition but also from the coalition party Slovak National Party and the Doctors Union Association. President Peter Pellegrini has urged Sasko to ensure the legality of the tender. The Health Ministry has stated that the selection process is being conducted in a standard manner and fully in accordance with current legislation. The tender concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven air ambulance units. mf/mcs