CRO DOCTORS' CHAMBER POINTS TO DIFFICULT CONDITIONS IN HOSPITALS

ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - The Croatian Doctors' Chamber (HLK) on Thursday forwarded a letter to Premier Zlatko Matesa pointing out the situation in hospitals in the last two weeks had drastically deteriorated and gave no indications that it might improve in the near future. Insufficient finances might result in the closure of certain departments or hospitals and a reduced health standard, said the letter, signed by HLK president Egidio Cepulic. The HLK warns that all operations are being postponed, except those which cannot be, while problems with blood derivatives and cytostatic agents bring into question further care for gravely ill persons. Operations are limited for even the most serious diseases, many machines are out of order due to unavailable money for reparations, and even food and power supplies are in question. The letter, which has also been delivered to the media, states that doctors face an increasing number of "extremely difficult ethical dilemmas - whom to give the last supplies of certain medicines and thus save a life." The HLK hopes the money to cover the Croatian Health Insurance Institute's debt for 1998 will be found at once. "The funds envisaged in the 1999 state budget will in no way suffice to sustain the current health protection standards which you (the Premier) have vouched for on several occasions," said the HLK letter. (hina) ha mm