Government fulfills coalition pledge: Aydovščina one step closer to new health center and helicopter base

The government has fulfilled a coalition agreement commitment with the signing of agreements for the free transfer of land in Ajdovščina, enabling the construction of a new health centre and a third helicopter emergency medical base. Local officials expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the area, which had previously been stalled under the previous administration. The agreements include the free transfer of 13,000 square metres of land for the new health centre and the third helicopter emergency medical base, as well as the relocation of the former State Home for the Elderly to the municipality. According to the mayor of Ajdovščina, Tadej Beočanin, this marks a significant achievement for the town and its surrounding region. The agreements were signed in the presence of several officials, including the president of the National Council, Mark Lotrič, and the minister for local self-government, cohesion and regional development, Dr. Monika Kirbiš Rojs. The free transfer of state-owned land valued at €2.53 million will allow for the construction of a healthcare complex. According to the Ministry for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, the facility will house approximately 15,000 square metres of space under one roof, including a new family medicine clinic with 15 outpatient clinics, four paediatric and 11 dental outpatient clinics, multiple specialist outpatient clinics, a pharmacy, a satellite urgent care centre and an underground garage with at least 175 parking spaces. The third helicopter emergency medical base, which will serve the western part of the country, will be established alongside the health centre. This project represents the fulfillment of a commitment outlined in the coalition agreement of the fourth Janez Janša government. Minister Kirbiš Rojs stated that the establishment of such a base aims to reduce disparities in response times and accessibility between different regions. She added that the ministry for health is working on solutions to support the project within available resources. The estimated value of the specific project is around €32 million, with the municipality receiving investment support through a donation of €20 million from Iva and Taja Boscarol. The free transfer of property by the mayor of Ajdovščina marks a crucial step towards realizing the largest healthcare project in the area. The mayor emphasized that the free transfer of land ensures the final condition for obtaining a building permit for the new health centre and its successful implementation. The relocation of the former home for the elderly will enable the creation of interconnected social welfare programs aimed at the elderly and individuals with developmental disabilities. The initiative was submitted to the competent ministry by the municipality in May 2024, according to Primorske novice. The building remained empty after the move of the elderly home to new premises, but there was a desire to repurpose the space for social welfare and care activities. Minister Kirbiš Rojs expressed satisfaction that the renovation would bring additional services and programs improving the quality of care for the elderly, disabled citizens and individuals with developmental disabilities. For the needs of social welfare and care activities and the placement of at least 36 caregivers, the municipality will need to renovate approximately 700 square metres of office space, heating and ventilation systems, as well as the external structure and surroundings. The cost of these renovations amounts to €1.35 million.