Imagine this – while we pay for healthcare, right in the heart of one of Croatia’s largest hospitals, KBC Zagreb, a full-blown corruption soap opera is unfolding! Eight people, including the head of the clinical molecular microbiology department, have been arrested on suspicion of rigging tenders for medical equipment procurement. Yes, you read that right – rigging! And not just any tenders, but those for antibacterial water filters and related equipment, involving bribes worth around 10,000 euros!
How did they do it? The head nurse of the hospital infection prevention department, Romana Palić, allegedly colluded with entrepreneur Matija Herceg, director of Airmed Solutions, helping him secure contracts with the hospital. Together, they reportedly tailored tender conditions to ensure his company won, receiving in return a trip to Paris and a fence installation around a house!
The investigation lasted a year, with police conducting urgent searches in Zagreb, Šibenik, Crikvenica, and the island of Pag. Among those arrested are other key hospital staff, including the warehouse manager and procurement officers.
KBC Zagreb’s director, Fran Borovečki, stated the hospital has zero tolerance for corruption and is cooperating with investigators but declined to comment on investigation details. The Ministry of Health strongly condemned all forms of corruption in healthcare, emphasizing there is no place for such actions.
This scandal casts a dark shadow over the healthcare system and public trust. How is it possible that in an institution meant to care for our health, such dirty games are played? Will justice finally be served, or will this remain just arrests and media headlines?
Got thoughts on this? Maybe some insider info? Drop a comment below – let’s shake up the system together!
