Croatia proposes healthcare network reforms to improve accessibility

The Croatian Ministry of Health has introduced a draft for amendments to the Public Health Service Network. The primary objective is to ensure more equitable access to healthcare services across the country by bringing medical care closer to residents' places of residence.

Key changes include allowing medical teams, such as family medicine or dental specialists, to work across multiple locations within an eight-hour workday. This measure aims to address regional shortages and prevent the over-concentration of services in specific areas. Additionally, the plan allows for up to 30 percent more specialist teams based on actual needs and an increase in beds for palliative care.

Minister of Health Irena Hrstić noted a significant rise in demand for specialist examinations, which grew from 8.4 million in 2023 to 10 million in 2024. The reforms come amid public scrutiny regarding medical accountability following a high-profile case involving a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery.