Croatia launches first pharmacy boat to serve islands
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
A new chapter in healthcare delivery has opened on Tuesday in Croatia today as Zadar became the first county to introduce a pharmacy boat, the country’s first floating pharmacy.
The innovative vessel will provide medicines and pharmaceutical services to island communities and remote coastal areas, improving access for residents who currently lack a local pharmacy.
Zadar County is the first to launch the service, with a second pharmacy boat expected by the end of September.
At the official handover ceremony, Health Minister Dr Irena Hrstić underlined the importance of equal access to healthcare:
“This project demonstrates how we are working towards fairer and more balanced access to pharmaceutical care. The mobile pharmacy boats are an innovative response to the needs of island residents, combining modern technology, sustainability and community care,” she said.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
Zadar County Prefect Josip Bilaver highlighted that once both vessels are in operation, Zadar will be the only county in Croatia – and likely in Europe – to have such a system in place.
“Islanders will finally have easier access to medicines, especially on islands without pharmacies. At any time, they will be able to rely on this service,” Bilaver noted.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
The two vessels, valued at almost €2 million including VAT, were fully built and equipped in Croatia, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions contributing to sustainability and supporting domestic shipbuilding.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
Once regulations are finalised, Ljekarna Zadar will manage the service, setting delivery schedules and appointing staff.
The boats will serve 12 inhabited islands in Zadar County – including Silba, Olib, Iž and Molat – home to over 1,500 residents, many of whom are elderly. Tourists will also benefit during the summer season.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
The project, led by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with seven counties, is part of a wider €3 million investment into primary healthcare modernisation, co-financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the state budget.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
The concept of mobile pharmacies has already proven successful on land with six specialised vehicles operating in underserved areas.
(Photo: Zadarska zupanija)
The introduction of pharmacy boats now brings that model to the Adriatic, ensuring that island life is no longer a barrier to vital healthcare.
