Life-saving helicopters require €6 million fixed costs per year

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No medical helicopters have been purchased as originally planned, since politicians do not agree to decided who pays pilot salaries and the high cost of spare parts.The health service says it needs to put on three times as many helicopter flights as it has at present, while the interior ministry prioritizes staff salaries.

A year ago, all members of the government, including the Reform Party members who are still in office, agreed that Estonia requires two additional helicopters.According to the government-discussed recovery plan, “the lack of medical helicopter capacity increases the danger of possible complications and fatality, and lowers patients’ chances of recovery.

The same politicians decided against purchasing helicopters last Thursday.

Read more: ERR.EE