We will continue to support businesses and workers in May, all who wish to be vaccinated will be able to get it

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Monday that the real challenge of stepping up the implementation of the vaccine rollout plan was yet to come and that Health Minister Vili Beroš had been tasked with arranging things properly.

Plenković said that he believed the minister would make every effort to do so.

Before a meeting of the HDZ leadership, reporters asked the prime minister whether Health Minister Beroš still had his support, noting that the Cijepise platform was still not functioning properly.

"If they can fix it, let them fix it, if not, let them order another one," he said.

Plenković said that he had met with Minister Beroš today and given him clear instruction on what to do regarding vaccination.

The premier said their ambition was to vaccinate 50-55% of adult population with more than 2,250,000 new doses of the vaccine against COVID-19 until 30 June.

He added that it was up to Minister Beroš, the Croatian Public Health Institute (HZJZ), the county public health institutes, those involved in primary health care and the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO) to implement this technically.

Vaccine supplies are here, there are sufficient supplies, everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to get vaccinated by the summer, he said.

In the end, we will probably reach about 2.2-2.3 million people, PM Plenković said, adding that another million and a hundred thousand people need to be vaccinated to reach that number.

If they cannot fix platform, let them order another one

Commenting on statements that the Cijepise platform cost too much money to fail now, Plenković said that the health minister had to address this technical matter with those in charge of the platform.

Asked about the price already paid for the platform, Plenković said that those who had failed to meet the obligations would pay the penalties.

The minister has been tasked with arranging things properly. It is up to him and everyone else I mentioned to ensure that the vaccination is carried out seven days a week and that everyone who needs the vaccine is invited, the premier said.

Plenković also said that as of next week, more than 200,000 doses of vaccine would arrive weekly.

Text: Hina

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