Sasko to Take Up Clear Position on Ambulance Tender at News Conference on Friday

Bratislava, 7 August (TASR) - Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) will take up a clear position on the ambulance service tender at a press conference due to be held on Friday (8 August), the Health Ministry's communication department has informed TASR. "Minister Kamil Sasko rejects the opposition's politicking. People mustn't be held hostage by this destructive policy. He'll take up a clear position at a news conference tomorrow," reads the ministry's statement. The Public Procurement Office (UVO) has pointed out that the Health Ministry prepared the ambulance service tender in contravention of EU regulations. Meanwhile, the ambulance service tender is being criticised by the opposition, the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) and the Doctors' Trade Union Association (LOZ). Several opposition parties are calling for Sasko's ouster. President Peter Pellegrini has asked Sasko to adhere to the law in the tender. Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has said that if Sasko fails to dispel doubts surrounding the ambulance service tender, he will insist on cancelling it and restarting the competition. The Health Ministry in reaction said that the tender 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. ko/df