Floating pharmacies set sail in Croatia’s healthcare service
Croatia’s Ministry of Health has launched an innovative project to improve medical access on remote islands – two specially designed vessels serving as mobile pharmacies. The units have been deployed to service 12 inhabited islands of Zadar County, none of which previously had a permanent pharmacy.
In brief
The Croatian Ministry of Health has deployed two boats serving as mobile pharmacies to serve 12 inhabited islands of Zadar County, where no permanent pharmacy had operated until now. The project, worth 2.34 million euros, provides year-round access to medicines for residents and tourists of islands such as Ist, Molat, Silba, Olib and Vrgada. The vessels, nearly 10 metres long and built by a shipyard from the island of Rab, have hybrid propulsion, solar panels and equipment for storing medicines at a controlled temperature. Croatian programmes for access to medical services cover investments worth more than 17 million euros.
Valued at €2.34 million, the project is expected to significantly improve access to essential medicines for both residents and tourists on islands including Ist, Molat, Silba, Olib, Premuda, Zverinac, Iž, Rivanj, Sestrunj, Ošljak, Rava and Vrgada.
- Zadar County is the first in Croatia, and most likely in Europe, to organize medicine deliveries to islands in this way, said county prefect Josip Bilaver.
Hybrid, eco-friendly vessels built in Croatia
The nearly 10-meter vessels were built by a shipyard on the island of Rab, a company with a 105-year tradition in boatbuilding. Designed as prototypes, they feature hybrid propulsion systems, solar panels and battery storage. Onboard facilities include medical and office spaces, pharmacy IT systems, and refrigeration units to store temperature-sensitive medicines.
Patients are able to come onboard and purchase medications directly from the pharmacy vessel, ensuring year-round availability even in the most isolated communities.
Maritime healthcare as a national priority
The “floating pharmacies” are part of a broader government strategy to improve healthcare access in rural and island regions. Previous initiatives included the purchase of more than 30 ambulances for remote inland areas and a €10.1 million investment in maritime emergency medical services. Six high-speed medical boats are now stationed in key locations including Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Zadar, Mali Lošinj and Rab.
Funded in large part by EU resources, the combined investment exceeds €17 million and highlights the central role of maritime transport in Croatia’s healthcare system – not just as a logistical lifeline, but as a platform for specialized, life-saving services.
Source: Gazeta Morska / PAP · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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