Minister Hrstić opened the refurbished wards of Požecka Hospital

Minister Irena Hrstić officially opened the newly renovated departments of neurology and psychiatry at Požeška Opća županijska bolnica on July 15, 2026. The renovation project, which included modernization, climate control, and equipping with state-of-the-art medical equipment, cost nearly 1.1 million euros. These improvements were made possible through joint funding from the Ministry of Health and the hospital itself. The building, originally constructed in 1940, has been completely restored to provide better care for patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric conditions. The opening ceremony marked the completion of one of the largest investment cycles in the recent history of Požeška Opća županijska bolnica. Between 2016 and 2026, over 19.6 million euros worth of projects were implemented, contributing to a total investment in healthcare in the Požeško-Slavonia County exceeding 30 million euros. Funding came from national budgets, European funds, decentralized sources, and the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience. The renovations have significantly improved treatment conditions for patients with stroke and other chronic neurological diseases, as well as those requiring psychiatric care. The new spaces offer safer and more efficient working environments for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Minister Hrstić emphasized that the government continues to invest in public hospitals across Croatia to ensure equal access to quality healthcare for all citizens. She highlighted that care for neurological patients and protection of mental health are among the key priorities of the healthcare system. She further noted that investments in healthcare infrastructure and work conditions are crucial not only for patients but also for healthcare workers. Croatia recorded a positive trend in the return of doctors and other healthcare staff from EU countries last year, providing additional motivation for continuing the development of the healthcare system. This progress underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve both patient outcomes and professional satisfaction within the sector. In addition to the recent renovations, several other initiatives have been completed in the past decade. A day hospital and a one-day surgery unit were established, magnetic resonance imaging was introduced, a new CT scanner was acquired, and six hospital buildings were energy-efficiently renovated. Digital projects such as the implementation of medication therapy systems and integration into the National Oncology Network were also carried out. Director Ivan Vukoja announced plans for continued development, including the construction of the Diagnostic Center “Dolina Zdravlja,” a children’s kindergarten, housing units for staff, and a helicopter landing pad for emergency medical transport. Ongoing projects include the modernization of the outpatient pharmacy and the outfitting of the laundry room and kitchen, ensuring the hospital continues to enhance the quality of healthcare services for over 60,000 residents of Požeško-Slavonia County.