Defense Minister Claims Savings on Hospital Project Despite Higher Per-Person Costs

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák canceled a public tender for construction oversight of a hospital project in Prešov, claiming direct selection would be cheaper for the state. While total monthly costs are indeed lower, the cost per expert has increased 1.6 times compared to the original tender. The construction site now employs only 8 specialists instead of the originally planned 19 experts for oversight duties. Kaliňák, who serves as defense minister in Slovakia's ruling coalition government, justified the decision as a cost-saving measure, though the reduced number of supervisors raises questions about adequate project oversight for the major healthcare infrastructure development.