The controversial ambulance service tender in Slovakia will be legally cancelled, announced Health Minister Kamil Šaško (Hlas-SD), citing legal ambiguities and risks to transparency. He plans to appoint a new head of the Emergency Medical Service Operational Centre to oversee the cancellation process.
Šaško criticized the outdated system, unchanged for 20 years, and pledged to propose a new model in consultation with coalition partners. He assured the public that ambulance services will remain timely and professional.
The tender faced heavy criticism from both the opposition and coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), with opposition parties alleging political corruption and a rigged process. On Friday (August 8), they submitted a motion of no confidence in Šaško. Parliament is set to debate the motion on Wednesday (August 13) during an extraordinary session.
Opposition parties Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity, Christian Democrats, and Slovakia party welcomed the tender's cancellation but continue to call for Šaško's resignation. They argue that he bears political responsibility for the flawed process.
Marian Povolný, head of the Emergency Medical Service Operational Centre, resigned on Monday amid the controversy. Parliament Speaker Richard Raši (Hlas-SD) confirmed that the only agenda for the August 13 session will be the vote on Šaško’s dismissal.
Source: TASR
