MINISTER: TWO DEATHS SEEM NOT TO BE LINKED WITH TRAGIC INCIDENT

ZAGREB, Oct 15 (Hina) - Medical experts believe the death of two out of 23 patients who died during or immediately upon haemodialyses throughout Croatia between Oct. 8 and 13 is probably not directly related to this incident, Health Minister Ana Stavljenic Rukavina said on Monday at an urgent government session, which Premier Ivica Racan convened in the aftermath of those tragic events. Stavljenic Rukavina informed the Racan cabinet of the activities her ministry and the public health institute were taking in relation to efforts to establish the cause of the death of the kidney patients who died during or after the treatment in eight haemodialysis centres throughout Croatia. On Sunday, Minister Stavljenic Rukavina stated the most probable cause of death was linked to the application of dialyzers manufactured by the U.S company Baxter. Representatives of Baxter, however, asserted the company's dialyzers had been tested and proved safe. Premier Racan announced an urgent and comprehensive investigation, involving the interior and justice ministries and the state prosecutor's office, would be launched in this case. The government does not want to conceal anything, Racan said. He added that everything would be done so as to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring in the future. On behalf of the government and himself, Racan offered condolences to the families of the dead patients. I have convened this session in compliance with the feeling of my own responsibility and as I feel that I should do everything possible to ensure a good and comprehensive probe into the tragic event, Racan said at the beginning of the urgent session. (hina) ms