CROATIAN CHEMISTS ANNOUNCE PROTEST ON WEDNESDAY

ZAGREB, Oct 29 (Hina) - The association of Croatian chemists announced a 15-minute strike on Wednesday (November 3), protesting against the Croatian Public Health Institute's (HZZO) failure to settle its debts toward pharmacies. Pharmacies' owners require from the HZZO to settle all debts, or they will continue protest actions including their rejection to give drugs proposed on prescriptions. In addition, they will also initiate court suits. In recent months, the HZZO was ensuring money for pharmacies very slowly, and it took 180 days for the Institute to settle its financial obligations toward pharmacies. The average debt per pharmacy totals 600,000 kuna (150,000 German marks). In case no solution is found until Wednesday, the Croatian Employers Association (HUP), the member of which is the chemists- employers' association, will call on the Constitutional Court to intervene. This suit will be aimed at contesting legality of decisions made by the HZZO due to an inadequate composition of the HZZO administration council. This council does not include two representatives of employers, although it has been outlined by law. (hina) jn ms