ON
← Back to feed
More and more testimonies about the hospital in Čakovec: "It's like coming to a bunker".
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives9/1/2026

More and more testimonies about the hospital in Čakovec: "It's like coming to a bunker".

The Ministry of Health has initiated an inspection at the Županijska Hospital in Čakovec following multiple patient testimonies describing poor experiences during emergency care. One patient, Željko Tomašić, recounted his mother’s repeated visits to the hospital over two years for heart rhythm issues, highlighting delays, lack of communication, and extended waiting times. He described the environment as akin to a 'bunker,' with patients being treated inefficiently and forced to seek private care in Varaždin. Another patient, Tomica Horvat, reported receiving inadequate initial assessments and was later referred to Zagreb after being told he had arrived too late. The hospital administrator, Nikola Hren, did not respond to inquiries. The ministry has launched both an investigation into these claims and a formal inspection process. Additionally, the death of a 38-year-old man, Luka Palatinuš, who had visited the emergency department three times before his passing, has raised further concerns. Patient rights advocate Jasna Karačić called for independent representatives to be involved in the oversight.

A new inspection has been launched at the Čakovec Hospital following reports of poor patient care and a tragic death. The incident comes after a patient, Tomica Horvat, described his experience with the emergency department as alarming, claiming he was left waiting for over six hours before being sent home with a normal blood test result. His condition worsened later, leading him to seek help from a private clinic, where he was treated urgently and saved. The situation escalated further with the sudden death of 38-year-old Luka Palatinuš in the emergency room. He had previously suffered from breathing difficulties, chest pain, and numbness in his arm, yet was released despite these symptoms. His family claims that the medical staff failed to recognize the severity of his condition, resulting in his untimely death. This tragedy has sparked public outrage and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within the hospital system. In response to growing concerns, the Ministry of Health has announced an inspection into the allegations raised by patients. The hospital’s director, Nikola Hren, has not responded to inquiries, while the ministry has initiated an investigation following the incident involving Mr. Palatinuš. The inquiry aims to determine whether there were any lapses in care or protocol that contributed to the man's death. Mr. Horvat, who had similar experiences, recounted how he arrived at the hospital with severe chest pains and numbness in his arm. Despite undergoing tests, including an ECG and blood work, he was sent home with a normal result. It wasn’t until he sought treatment at a private clinic that he received the urgent care he needed. His account highlights the potential risks of relying solely on public healthcare facilities, especially when critical conditions are not promptly identified. The hospital has defended its actions, stating that Mr. Palatinuš was immediately treated and that there were no signs indicating an emergency. They emphasized that the deterioration in his condition was unexpected and that resuscitation efforts were undertaken. However, they have not provided detailed explanations regarding the specific steps taken during his visit. Other incidents have also drawn attention to systemic issues within the hospital. Six years ago, a patient died after a nurse mistakenly administered motor oil instead of physiological solution during dialysis. The nurse was convicted of negligence and sentenced to one year and a half in prison. Two years ago, another patient received an incorrect blood transfusion, which led to her death three days later. While the hospital acknowledged the error, they claimed the patient’s underlying illness was the primary cause of her death. These cases, along with the recent deaths and complaints from patients, have fueled public dissatisfaction with the quality of care at the Čakovec Hospital. Patients and advocacy groups are demanding more rigorous oversight and better communication between healthcare providers and patients. Some have called for increased involvement of independent inspectors to ensure that all procedures meet the required standards. The ongoing investigation into the hospital’s practices will likely take several weeks to complete. Until then, patients continue to share their experiences through social media and local news platforms, highlighting both the challenges and the occasional success stories within the public health system. As the probe unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not recur and that patient safety remains a top priority.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

Go to the primary sources (4)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

3 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 90Objective 708/31/2026
New testimony from Čakovec: "They said I had a lump in my stomach, and then I was saved by a private clinic"

Two patients have reported similar experiences at the Županijska Bolnica Čakovec in Croatia, raising concerns about medical care quality. Luke Palatinuša, 28, died after being released from the hospital despite having heart-related symptoms, while Tomica Horvat, 38, was sent home with a warning about his condition but later survived due to timely intervention at a private clinic. Both cases highlight potential gaps in emergency care and diagnostic procedures within the public healthcare system. The hospital has stated that Palatinuša received appropriate treatment and had no signs of urgent intervention, while internal reviews are underway.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the public hospital's handling of both cases as inadequate, emphasizing the contrast between state-run and private medical services. It highlights systemic failures in public healthcare, which aligns with left-leaning critiques of institutional inefficiencies. While not overtly政治化

Why factuality (90): This article closely mirrors the primary source document, quoting Tomica Horvat verbatim on his symptoms, the doctors’ responses, and his eventual treatment at a private clinic. It also includes the tragic death of Luka Palatinuša and the broader context of patient dissatisfaction. The article provi

Why objectivity (70): The article has a more emotional tone, using phrases like 'kruli u želucu' (cramps in the stomach) and 'reagirati u posljednji trenutak' (react in the last moment), which suggest a narrative that emphasizes the urgency and success of private care. While factual, it leans slightly toward portraying t

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 88Objective 729/1/2026
More and more testimonies about the hospital in Čakovec: "It's like coming to a bunker".

The Ministry of Health has initiated an inspection at the Županijska Hospital in Čakovec following multiple patient testimonies describing poor experiences during emergency care. One patient, Željko Tomašić, recounted his mother’s repeated visits to the hospital over two years for heart rhythm issues, highlighting delays, lack of communication, and extended waiting times. He described the environment as akin to a 'bunker,' with patients being treated inefficiently and forced to seek private care in Varaždin. Another patient, Tomica Horvat, reported receiving inadequate initial assessments and was later referred to Zagreb after being told he had arrived too late. The hospital administrator, Nikola Hren, did not respond to inquiries. The ministry has launched both an investigation into these claims and a formal inspection process. Additionally, the death of a 38-year-old man, Luka Palatinuš, who had visited the emergency department three times before his passing, has raised further concerns. Patient rights advocate Jasna Karačić called for independent representatives to be involved in the oversight.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a systemic failure within the public healthcare system, emphasizing patient dissatisfaction and institutional neglect. It highlights the contrast between public and private care, suggesting a broader critique of state-run services. While not overtly political, the

Why factuality (88): The article accurately reflects the primary source document, detailing Tomica Horvat’s experience, the Ministry of Health inspection, and the broader issue of patient dissatisfaction. It includes direct quotes from patients and officials, maintaining alignment with the original report. Some minor de

Why objectivity (72): The article maintains a neutral tone overall but uses descriptive language such as 'dođete u bunker' (you enter a bunker) to convey the negative perception of the public hospital. This metaphorical language adds an emotional layer, suggesting a bias against the public healthcare system despite the f

Net.hr logoNet.hrIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 759/1/2026
An Inspection Initiated at the Chákovská Hospital - A New Witness! 'We Waited in the Emergency Room for Seven Hours'

The article reports on a new inspection launched at the Čakovec hospital following allegations of poor patient care. It highlights the experience of Tomica Horvat, who was treated at the hospital for heart issues but was sent home with a normal result, only to later require private medical attention. Another case involves Luka Palatinuš, a 38-year-old man who died in the emergency waiting room after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pain. Patients describe long waits, inadequate communication, and delays in treatment. The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into these claims, while the hospital administrator is not responding to inquiries. Medical professionals involved in the cases emphasize that each situation is unique and caution against drawing conclusions without full documentation.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure within the public healthcare system, emphasizing patient dissatisfaction and the need for oversight. It highlights the contrast between public and private healthcare, suggesting a lack of accountability in the state-run facility. While not overtly政治

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on Tomica Horvat’s experience at the public hospital in Čakovec, including his symptoms, the procedures performed, and his subsequent treatment at a private clinic. It also references the death of Luka Palatinuša and mentions ongoing inspections by the Ministry of Heal

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat critical of the public healthcare system but remains focused on reporting facts. The article uses emotionally charged phrases like 'spasio mu život' (saved his life) and 'panika' (panic), which may lean towards a narrative favoring private clinics. While not overtly biased, it p

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories