KDH: Ambulance Tender Must Be Restarted Under Fair Rules

Bratislava, 7 August (TASR) - The ambulance tender needs to be cancelled and restarted anew, this time under the rules of a transparent and fair competition, representatives of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) declared on Thursday. KDH issued this call in light of a statement from the Public Procurement Authority (UVO), which has raised concerns over the tender process. „The (health) minister (Kamil Sasko) has a unique opportunity to prove that he truly cares about patients. What I have heard in the media over the past week regarding suspicions is unbelievable. The very fact that such a 'tender' is even being discussed is alarming. This is not a tender — this is a farce," said MP Frantisek Majersky (KDH). KDH insists that the tender needs to be restarted to ensure public trust and proper management of public funds. The party maintains that transparency must be a non-negotiable standard in healthcare procurement. 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