Voice-SD: All Suspicions in Ambulance Tender Must Be Investigated Thoroughly

Bratislava, 8 August (TASR) – The coalition party Voice–Social Democracy agrees with the position of Health Minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD) that all suspicions surrounding the ambulance service tender must be thoroughly investigated, TASR learnt from the party's press department on Friday. „If even the slightest irregularity is confirmed, the tender must either be cancelled or restarted. In healthcare, there must not only be adequate care, but also complete transparency," the press department stated. Minister Sasko announced earlier in the day that he will outline the next steps regarding the tender on Monday, 11 August. He stated that he is aware of public concerns and that they trouble him as well. For that reason, he has requested his expert team and the leadership of the Slovak Emergency Medical Service Operations Centre to examine all possible further actions, including the cancellation of the tender. The opposition has criticised the Health Minister for not cancelling the ambulance service tender. According to opposition MPs, Sasko has failed to provide any explanations and they continue to call for his resignation. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has urged the minister to scrap the tender. The Public Procurement Authority has warned that the €2-billion tender violates European regulations. The selection process concerns the operation of 344 ground ambulance stations and seven helicopter emergency medical service units. mf/mcs