# Croatia healthcare and care infrastructure developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-healthcare-and-care-infrastructure-developments > Updated: 2026-08-31T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Croatia is undergoing significant developments in its healthcare and care infrastructure while addressing systemic organizational and staffing challenges. The Ministry of Health has announced plans for a major reform of the emergency medicine system, targeted for completion by the end of 2029. This reorganization focuses on improving response times and equitable access through the restructuring of field teams, the establishment of a national emergency dispatch center, and the strengthening of primary healthcare to reduce hospital burdens. Parallel to these systemic reforms, the country is expanding physical infrastructure for elderly and veteran care. This includes the upcoming opening of the Uglešić Health & Care center in Dugopolje and the planned completion of several veteran and elderly care centers by 2028. However, these expansions are facing a critical labor shortage, with a significant need for approximately 1,400 employees, particularly caregivers, to meet rising demand. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Croatia expands healthcare infrastructure amid caregiver shortages Croatia is expanding its healthcare and elderly care infrastructure with new centers, but faces a significant shortage of caregivers to staff these growing facilities. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-expands-healthcare-infrastructure-amid-caregiver-shortages ### 2026-08-24: Croatia plans major emergency medicine system reform Croatia is planning a major emergency medicine reform by 2029, focusing on restructuring field teams, establishing a national dispatch center, and reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-plans-major-emergency-medicine-system-reform --- Cite as: Croatia healthcare and care infrastructure developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/croatia-healthcare-and-care-infrastructure-developments