Prosecutor-General Zilinka Orders Examination of Ambulance Service Tender

Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) - Prosecutor-General (PG) Maros Zilinka has ordered an examination of media reports concerning the €2-billion ambulance service tender due to the suspicion of the crime of violating obligations in the administration of someone else's property, Zilinka himself has posted on a social network. 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, criticising the tender for being non-transparent and having the winners agreed upon in advance. 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 Public Procurement Office (UVO) has pointed out that the Health Ministry prepared the ambulance service tender in contravention of EU regulations. The Health Ministry in reaction to the opposition's criticism said that the tender is being conducted in a standard manner and fully in accordance with current legislation. Voice-SD leader Matus Sutaj Estok stated that the health minister enjoys his full trust. Sasko promised to take up a clear position on the tender at a news conference on Friday. The tender concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven air ambulance units. ko/df