Croatia expands healthcare infrastructure amid caregiver shortages

Croatia is seeing significant developments in healthcare and elderly care infrastructure, alongside growing challenges in staffing. In Dugopolje, the Uglešić Health & Care center is set to open in September. This project, valued at 50 million euros, spans over 11,000 square meters and features 216 accommodation units, representing a hybrid healthcare and care model.

Simultaneously, the country is expanding its capacity for elderly and veteran care. Plans include the completion of five veteran centers in Pakrac, Bukovlje, Slunj, Imotski, and Vukovar by 2028, as well as the development of 18 centers for the elderly. These facilities are expected to house over 1,800 people, including approximately 260 individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

However, this expansion faces a critical labor shortage. The opening of these centers requires the employment of roughly 1,400 people, with caregivers being among the most sought-after roles. Recent data from the Croatian Employment Service shows hundreds of active job advertisements for caregivers, highlighting a persistent difficulty in finding qualified personnel to meet the rising demand.