Sanader, who on Saturday arrived in the coastal city of Split, said that they had not discussed Hebrang's possible resignation but that they only agreed that the state secretary in the Health and Social Welfare Ministry would perform his duties while the minister was recovering from a recent difficult operation.
"Minister Hebrang will continue his medical treatment in Zagreb and he can communicate and give advice by phone," the PM said in Split where he was attending the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the local branch of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).
"I did not meet with him last night to discuss further plans, but I met with him in order to be in detail informed of his health condition," Sanader told reporters, reiterating that he wished the ailing minister a speedy recovery.
In December, Hebrang underwent an operation at the Urology Clinic in Innsbruck, Austria. Postoperative tests confirmed the initial diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. A small part of the cancer has remained in his body, which is why he will have to undergo chemotherapy in the next several months, but his chances of recovery are good, according to a press release which Hebrang issued last Thursday.