HEALTH INSTITUTIONS RECEIVE 30 NEW AMBULANCES

( Editorial: --> 0979 ) ZAGREB, July 31 (Hina) - Health Minister Zeljko Reiner and Croatian Health Insurance Institute director Stjepan Turek on Friday officially handed over the keys of new ambulances to 30 health institutions in Croatia. The 30 new ambulances, valued at more than US$30,000 each, were bought by the Institute as part of a four-year vehicle fleet renewal programme for Croatia's health institutions. During the Homeland War more than 700 ambulances had been destroyed, Reiner said adding that the remaining vehicles had been run down and inappropriate in the performance of urgent medical aid. The programme began in 1995 with the purchase of 400 new ambulances and 100 vehicles for community health services and home visits. Reiner said during next year the entire vehicle fleet would be renewed and it was foreseen that in the future Croatian health institutions would not be using vehicles older than four years and that did not meet required standards. He said the new vehicles would also assist in better health protection for tourists during the summer. The Croatian Health Minister announced that by next year's tourism season, his ministry planned to buy six boats which would improve health services on Croatia's islands. (Hina) mbr 311429 MET jul 98