The ministry expects that the second stage of construction, estimated at nearly EUR 21.8m, will start in a fortnight and be completed a year and a half later at the latest.

Kolektor Koling had not been the ministry's first pick, as the vetting commission ruled out in March its bid - though the cheapest - as incomplete and chose builder SGP Pomgrad for the job.

Kolektor challenged the decision with the National Audit Commission, which ruled in its favour.

Among other things, Kolektor Koling will furbish the first floor of the emergency wing and move internist emergency services into it.

The works also entail a parking lot for ambulances and a new access terminal to the wing, the ministry said in a press release.