The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with county authorities and health centres, is establishing a network of mobile clinics that will serve nearly 80% of Croatia’s rural, remote and island communities. At the same time, a new system of mobile pharmacies is being launched.
As part of the initiative, physicians and nurses operating from specially equipped mobile healthcare units will visit small and isolated communities where access to health services has previously been limited or unavailable. These mobile teams will provide basic medical care, prescribe treatments, issue referrals and prescriptions, and conduct home visits for immobile patients.
The project will enhance access to care for older people and individuals with reduced mobility. A total of 33 vehicles will be procured and distributed across the counties to support this effort. The total investment for this component amounts to EUR 5.3 million, with an implementation period of 14 months.
In parallel, mobile pharmacies are being rolled out as part of the broader initiative. The mobile pharmacy units (equipped camper vans with appropriate pharmaceutical equipment and digital systems) will be deployed in Lika-Senj, Karlovac, Sisak-Moslavina, Brod-Posavina, Vukovar-Srijem and Zagreb counties. Two pharmacy boats will operate in Zadar County to serve surrounding island populations.
The Ministry of Health has signed a formal agreement with counties and pharmacy institutions to implement the mobile pharmacy service within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026, with a dedicated budget of EUR 3 million. The main objective is to ensure the regular supply of medicines and pharmacy services in locations without direct access to a permanent pharmacy.