Croatia has opened a new €2.8 million hyperbaric medicine center in Petrinja, expanding access to specialized oxygen therapy for war veterans and other patients with serious medical conditions.
The facility, located within the newly established Veterans Center in Petrinja, officially opened on October 28, 2026.
The project was developed through cooperation between Croatia’s Ministry of Veterans, Ministry of Health, and Zagreb University Hospital Centre (KBC Zagreb), with the involvement of the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb.
The new institute is expected to improve access to specialized medical treatment in Sisak-Moslavina County, reducing the need for some patients to travel to hospitals outside the region.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen inside a specially designed chamber at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure.
The treatment increases the amount of oxygen delivered to body tissues and can support healing in certain medical conditions.
It is used for selected patients with chronic wounds, including some diabetic foot ulcers, radiation-related tissue injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness.
However, the treatment is not suitable for every patient. Its use depends on medical indications and an individual assessment by healthcare professionals.
A typical treatment session lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, while the total number of sessions varies depending on the patient’s condition and response to therapy.
The new institute occupies approximately 500 square meters and has been equipped to meet the medical and technical requirements of hyperbaric treatment.
Medical services will be provided by specialists from KBC Zagreb.
The project also involved cooperation with KBC Rijeka, the Institute of Maritime Medicine in Split, and the Croatian Navy, which contributed professional expertise and staff training.
New Healthcare Investment in Petrinja
The total investment of €2.8 million covers the purchase of the hyperbaric chamber, construction, and equipment.
The facility is part of a broader effort to improve healthcare and rehabilitation services for Croatian war veterans, particularly those living with severe disabilities and chronic medical conditions.
Importantly, treatment will also be available to other patients in Croatia when medically indicated.
The newly opened Veterans Center in Petrinja represents a separate investment of approximately €13 million.
It has 148 beds and is expected to accommodate more than 2,800 users annually.
In addition to healthcare services, the center offers physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, recreational activities, and educational programs.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković visited the new hyperbaric medicine facility alongside government officials and healthcare representatives.
The opening represents an expansion of specialized healthcare capacity in Petrinja and the surrounding region, with services intended for both veterans and the wider population.
