The minister thanked Croatian doctors who in the past several months had diagnosed him with a prostate cancer at a rare location, which he said proved the high level of competence of Croatian doctors.
He went on to say that the reason for his undergoing surgery abroad was not his lack of trust in Croatian doctors, as claimed by some media, but the great interest of some reporters in his condition and his need for a peaceful recovery.
Hebrang dismissed speculation by some media that the laparoscopic surgery of prostate cancer that he was recommended is performed in Croatian hospitals. He added that he had subsequently learned from the press of first attempts to perform such operations in Croatian hospitals and that such procedures had not been officially reported.
"Malevolent commentators could have seen for themselves that the Health Insurance Agency has financed laparoscopic prostatectomies abroad because that kind of surgery is still not performed routinely in Croatia. This kind of surgery was neither my choice nor the reason for my treatment abroad," the minister said.
The operation, which was performed at the Urology Clinic in Innsbruck, Austria, lasted four hours. The procedure was very complex, which was the reason for subsequent complications which required another operation, the minister said.
"After several very critical hours, my life was saved thanks to the great competence and skill of (Austrian doctors)," he added.
Postoperative tests confirmed the initial diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma, Hebrang said, adding that a small part of the cancer had remained in his body, which was why he would have to undergo chemotherapy in the next several months, but his chances of recovery were good.
"During that time, I would not be able to work for the government with the intensity required by that position... which is why I will soon discuss my position with Prime Minister Ivo Sanader," the minister said.
Hebrang said that he was treated at the Innsbruck clinic as an ordinary citizen and not as a government member to avoid problems which would arise with the involvement of security staff. All doctors involved in the treatment have given up their fees, Hebrang said, adding that he had covered material and food costs in the amount of 2,700 euros.
He added that he had subsequently learned of "inappropriate attacks" against him by some politicians, reporters and Croatian Television about his not trusting the national health care system, which he said were accusations he wished to refute with today's statement.