PS Warns of Political Corruption in Ambulance Tender (2)

Bratislava, 7 August (TASR) – Progressive Slovakia (PS) claims that Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) is "rewarding" donors of the Voice-SD party in the ambulance tender, describing the process as a clear case of political corruption. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Oskar Dvorak, the vice-chair of the House Health Committee and PS member, stated that PS has acquired unofficial results of the tender. According to him, half of all ambulance service points will likely be awarded to the state, as in previous years, while the other half is to be split between two companies: the financial group Agel, which will receive nearly 25 percent of all points, and Emergency Medical Solutions, a company established in May this year with no prior experience, headquartered in an unmarked building on the outskirts of Bratislava. Dvorak stated there are suspected links between Emergency Medical Solutions and Agel, claiming that Stefan Baumann, whose son is a donor to Voice-SD, is behind the company. He added that Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) defended the tender vigorously because Baumann and Oliver Baumann Jr. supply the Interior Ministry with expensive vehicle maintenance contracts through their firm Bayern Center. Oliver Baumann Jr. also ran as a candidate for Voice-SD in the 2022 local elections. „This is a textbook example of political corruption that proves the tender must be cancelled immediately. It cannot continue, and Minister Sasko should resign,” Dvorak stated. The tender has been criticised by opposition parties, the coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), and the Doctors' Labour Union Association. Multiple opposition groups have called for Sasko’s dismissal. President Peter Pellegrini has urged the minister to adhere to the law during the tender process. If Sasko fails to dispel doubts about the ambulance tender, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) will insist on cancelling and restarting the competition. The Public Procurement Authority also warned that the tender was prepared in violation of European regulations. The Health Ministry responded to criticism by stating the selection procedure is being conducted in full compliance with valid legislation and dismissed opposition activity as political games and fearmongering. Voice-SD chairman Matus Sutaj Estok expressed full confidence in the Health Minister. Sasko announced he will issue a clear statement on the tender during a press conference on Friday, 8 August. Agel denies all allegations related to the tender, including connections to Emergency Medical Solutions or any members of the selection committee. The tender, worth €2 billion, concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven helicopter emergency medical service bases. mf/mcs