Finance Minister Zdravko Maric on Thursday commented on a proposal that money lacking for the health sector amounting to between HRK 3 and HRK 4 billion be secured from general taxes, saying that the health sector would receive HRK 1.5 billion this year and that there was never enough for that sector.

After a meeting on Wednesday between Health Minister Milan Kujundzic and county prefects regarding hospitals’ debts, it was estimated that the health sector lacked between HRK 3 and HRK 4 billion and that that money could be secured from general taxes.

Maric reiterated that in 2017 the health sector received an additional HRK 1.5 billion without the public debt being increased. In 2018, it received an additional HRK 500 and this year it is receiving 1 percentage point of health contributions. According to calculations, that will amount to HRK 1.5 billion, he said.

“No matter how much you give, it’s never enough. We have what we have and Croatia needs responsible management of public finances,” Maric concluded.

He added that he would not comment in public on pressure by Minister Kujundzic and Education Minister Blazenka Divjak who have openly asked for more money for their portfolios.

“It would be better for us to agree internally considering the possibilities and funds at our disposal,” said Maric.

He underscored the good cooperation and fair relations with public service unions with whom he is meeting today.