Incoming Health Minister Irena Hrstic has announced a major audit of public procurement processes in Croatia’s healthcare system, a government statement said. 

Hrstic’s nomination follows the dismissal of former health minister Vili Beros, after his arrest on suspicion of corruption as part of an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The investigation centres on allegations that Beros and other officials accepted bribes, manipulated public procurement processes, and abused their positions to secure inflated contracts for medical equipment.

On November 21, Plenkovic announced Hrstic as the proposed new minister of health. Hrstic is a gastroenterologist with experience as the director of Pula General Hospital and as a practitioner at Zagreb Clinical Hospital.

Ordered by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the audit will focus on recent contracts and dig deeper into older ones if necessary. Hrstić, who is personally leading the process, said the goal is to identify questionable spending and rebuild trust in the healthcare system — both for citizens and healthcare professionals.

The audit will also include a review of the 2022 State Audit Office report, which highlighted initial concerns about procurement practices. Hospitals will be given updated guidelines to ensure better oversight of their purchasing processes.

Hrstić revealed that a long-awaited regulation to clarify the relationship between public and private healthcare is nearly complete. She promised that the ordinance, which began under Beroš, will be ready for public consultation within a month. The regulation aims to address issues like access to care, which Hrstić admits has been uneven, though she noted that healthcare services are not entirely inaccessible.

Primary healthcare is another priority for Hrstić, who acknowledged challenges like paediatrician shortages in Zagreb neighbourhoods such as Trešnjevka and Knežija. She said the lack of interest among medical professionals in primary care specializations is a concern and proposed reducing administrative burdens as a way to encourage more doctors to join the field.

When asked about stepping into a politically charged role, Hrstić said she feels ready and supported. Her focus remains on tackling key issues and restoring trust in the system. “We’re aware of the problems, and we’re asking for the chance to implement solutions that can make a real difference,” she said.