Minister Sasko to Announce Next Steps on Ambulance Tender on Monday (2)

Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) – Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice–SD) will announce the next steps regarding the controversial ambulance tender on Monday, 11 August. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Sasko stated that he is aware of concerns raised in the public sphere, which he personally finds troubling. As a response, he has asked his expert team and the leadership of the Slovak Emergency Medical Service Operation Centre (OS ZZS) to examine all options, including the potential cancellation of the tender. He stressed that his actions will be based on their findings. „I am not turning a blind eye to the information circulating publicly. If you think it doesn’t disturb me, of course it does,” said the minister. „I will not allow any scandal or shady deals to take place. That is a red line for me.” Sasko emphasised he will not sign off on any licence that could be deemed unlawful. He instructed his legal team to review all possible legal avenues by Sunday, 10 August. Likewise, he asked the emergency service's leadership to submit a set of specific solutions by then, aimed at dispelling any doubts surrounding the procurement process. „The public will be informed about the next steps on Monday,” he added. The tender in question, worth €2 billion, concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven helicopter emergency medical service units. It has drawn criticism from the governing Slovak National Party (SNS), opposition parties, and several professional associations. On Friday, opposition lawmakers submitted a motion in Parliament to express no confidence in Minister Sasko, claiming the tender is non-transparent and its winners predetermined. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has called on the minister to publicly address the questions causing concern. The Public Procurement Authority has also warned that the tender violates European regulations. mf/mcs