Croatia's Health Minister Irena Hrstić outlines cleaning staff shortages, impetigo concerns and new PET/CT rollout

Health Minister Irena Hrstić said the Croatian health system is facing a shortage of cleaning staff (spremačice), causing many vacant positions and increased outsourcing despite 2024 wage rises; the issue of salary coefficients remains open for discussion. She reassured the public about a recent rise in impetigo cases among children, stating the sea is clean and there is no cause for panic, while urging basic hygiene to limit spread. Hrstić announced that renovations of Zagreb hospitals are nearing completion, with five new linear accelerators installed, and that the procurement of a new PET/CT scanner for KBC Zagreb is finished, with installation expected by the end of the year. A decision on a public cyclotron to produce radiopharmaceuticals is still pending. She also highlighted the ongoing seven‑year, €62.5 million contract with an Italian company for emergency helicopter and maritime services, calling it a major step toward a sustainable emergency response system.