Sinj health services dispute intensifies as mayor challenges minister

Mayor Miro Bulj of Sinj sent an open letter to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković demanding the establishment of a General Hospital in the town, accusing the government of “shutting down health care” in the Cetinska region. In response, Health Minister Irena Hrstić rejected the accusations, stating that the claims are “simply not true” and that the government has earmarked €200,000 for renovating the health centre’s stationary units and more than €500,000 for new medical equipment. Hrstić explained that the closure of the Sinj maternity ward was driven by a drop in births from 167 per year to none over two years, with patients now referred to KBC Split. She also noted ongoing plans for a daily hospital and minor surgery, and highlighted the town’s existing network of 15 family‑medicine teams, 13 dental teams, and several specialist units. The exchange occurs ahead of national Victory Day celebrations.