Istria County will fund 55 associations in health and social care, for which it has secured more than 263,000 euros. The contracts were signed by the county governor, Boris Miletić, with representatives of 46 associations.
The money was distributed across three priority areas. Twenty-three projects were approved for the improvement of public health, with a total value of nearly 105,000 euros. Twenty-seven projects were approved for the enhancement of social welfare, with a total value of 130,000 euros. Five projects, designated for the veterans of the National Liberation War (NOB), Croatian veterans, and their family members, were allocated 28,730 euros.
The tender was conducted in accordance with the Health Plan and the Social Plan of Istria County for the period 2025 to 2027, and the projects that met the criteria were supported, as stated at the signing.
The governor, Miletić, highlighted that 20 per cent more funding was secured for health and social care this year compared to last year, and that, alongside education and sport, these areas are the priorities of the county in the last two terms. "The strength of any society is measured by its care for its most vulnerable members," the governor told the associations.
The head of the Department for Health and Social Care, Davorka Maras-Tkac, noted that the county is increasing its funding for the civil sector each year. This year's amount, she said, is 20 per cent higher than last year and 50 per cent higher than in 2024. Associations were described as partners who are closest to the users and are the first to identify their needs, while the tender was published in line with the strategic documents of the county.
The funded projects are focused on working with people with disabilities, the elderly, and other groups requiring additional support in their daily lives.
