In response to Athens Stock Exchange letter with protocol number 39635 24/9/2007, referring to a press article, regarding the entrance of HYGEIA in the market of diagnostic centres and in the sector of ambulance transfer of patients, we would like to mention the following:
Hygeia's intention is to offer complete healthcare services. In this contest, the company would like to be activated towards this direction (participation or collaboration with a polyclinic and diagnostic centre network), always aligned with Law framework.
The entrepreneurial and financial effect that could have our entrance in the diagnostic centres market has not been evaluated with accuracy in the time being. In any case we believe that the entrance of the Company in this market, will improve the company's performance, depending on the time and the way, as it is mentioned with accuracy in the press report.
Moreover regarding the ambulance transportation of patients we would like to mention that Greek Law, forbids private hospitals to transfer patients, except the ones that have been hospitalised in private hospitals. Regarding to the ambulance transportation of patients in other counties, we examine the possibility to activate in this field in combination with the establishment of healthcare services in these countries.
In any case, the company will inform the investment community and the regulatory authorities for any decisions or developments for the aforementioned, aligned in the current law framework.