Croatia: Development of Emergency Medical Services and Investment Planning Project

WASHINGTON, September 30, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

Croatia- Development of Emergency Medical Services and Investment Planning Project

IBRD Loan Amount: US$28.3 million equivalent

Terms: Maturity = 30 years; Grace = 5 years.

Project Description: The project will improve the efficiency and outcomes of the emergency medical services (EMS) system and strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop and implement strategic projects.  The first part of this objective will be achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive emergency medical services reform including the (i) establishment of a Croatian Institute for Emergency Medical Services; (ii) reorganization of pre-hospital EMS; (iii) integration of in-hospital EMS; and (iv) the initiation of an emergency-related telemedicine service delivery network.  The second part of the objective will be achieved through the (i) development of priority programs as a basis for planning the key elements of a health investment strategy; (ii) the development of essential human resources and institutional capacity for accessing EU funds; and (iii) project management support for successful execution of the Project.

Media Contacts:

Michael Jones

(202) 473-2588

mjones2@worldbank.org

For project documents, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P086669