The union representative (EKN) at the Immunological Institute, Lidija Jagarinec, welcomed on Tuesday the announcement of the launch of production at the Immunological Institute based on the agreement between the City of Zagreb and the Government on strategic partnership, under which Zagreb, after approval from the City Assembly, is expected to finance the first phase with 110 million kuna.
Of the 110 million kuna, 35 would be allocated to settle debts to suppliers, 32 million for the launch of viral vaccine production at existing locations, and 43 million for the construction and modernization of new facilities.
The Government would convert its claims of 23 million kuna into an ownership stake and waive liens and mortgages on the properties. Zagreb would become the owner of up to 50 percent of the shares, while the remaining part would belong to other shareholders.
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In the first phase of recapitalization, the facilities at existing locations would be modernized to enable the launch of production, while the second phase includes the construction of new facilities.
Jagarinec emphasizes that time remains the biggest problem, as some actions are significantly delayed, but it is good that something has started.
There is no production at the Immunological Institute, so employees are eagerly awaiting further developments and, like the union, welcome any initiative to start production and preserve and create new jobs.
If any temporary production had been launched five years ago, everything would have been easier by the time the new factory was built, but I fear that its continuation at the current locations will not be possible, said Jagarinec.
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When asked about the arrival of the HALMED inspection, she replied that it belongs to business policy, which she does not want to discuss as she has already been threatened with dismissal for it.
Regarding the blood supplies stored at the Institute, Jagarinec claims that not a single drop has been destroyed or thrown away, and everything else is under the jurisdiction of the director or the Ministry of Health, without whose approval nothing can be done – neither sold, nor destroyed, nor produced.
Salaries at the Institute are paid regularly, and that is the only good thing in the whole story, as otherwise, workers would surely be on the street, added Jagarinec.
