HEALTH INSTITUTE ACCUSES VUKOVAR HOSPITAL HEADS FOR DIRE SITUATION

ZAGREB, March 3 (Hina) - The Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO) is not responsible for the poor financial situation of Vukovar's general hospital, which is the result of irrational business on the hospital management's part, HZZO leaders told journalists on Monday. #L# "The HZZO has to worry solely for insurees' health care and not whether a hospital has funds to pay salaries or gas," manager Ljubica Djukanovic said, stating the hospital management alone was responsible for clearing debts. Last year the HZZO paid 43 million kuna (EUR5.7 million) to the hospital which accounted for only 24 million (EUR3.2 million) of expenses. The hospital gets 3.7 million kuna (EUR487,000) each month for its budget and another 376,000 (49,500 euros) based on the law on formerly war-struck areas, said Djukanovic. Last June 25.5 million (EUR3.4 million) was paid to clear the hospital's debts to suppliers and for higher pays, so that the Vukovar general hospital wrapped 2002 with only 3.5 million (461,000 euros) in debts, said Djukanovic. Asked what would happen to patients if gas was turned off due to outstanding bills, she said there were enough hospitals in Croatia where these patients could be accommodated. HZZO assistant manager Marija Vuckovic said an audit carried in the hospital last year indicated that manager Vesna Bosanac unlawfully accounted her hours on call and overtime and paid some 1.5 million kuna (EUR197,000) to outside doctors. The results of the audit, which revealed other financial wrongdoing as well, were forwarded to the State Prosecutor's Office and the Health Ministry, but there has been no comment, said Vuckovic. Djukanovic added the HZZO did not replace Bosanac as it was not within its jurisdiction but that of the Health Ministry. (EUR1 = 7.6 kuna) (hina) ha sb