KARAN: YOUTH ARE OUR GREATEST TREASURE, WE WILL SUPPORT EVERY STUDENT INITIATIVE

FOČA, OCTOBER 14 /SRNA/ – The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education Siniša Karan stated that the Faculty of Medicine in Foča has become a leading institution in internationalization, research, and the education of students for the most humanitarian profession, that of doctors, and announced continued institutional support.

During his address at the ceremony marking the Day of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Karan emphasized that institutions will support every idea of young people, who represent the greatest treasure of society. He reminded of the founding of the faculty in 1993, when the line ministry decided to continue the work of the Faculty of Medicine in the Sarajevo of Republika Srpska, headquartered in Srbinje, today's Foča. "It was unimaginable that this faculty would one day grow into what it is today—a leader in medical and healthcare education in the region. No one could have imagined that one day classes would be held here in English and that the faculty would enroll 600 international students from four continents and 20 countries," Karan emphasized. He pointed out that the Faculty of Medicine is the first higher education institution in BiH accredited according to the criteria of the World Federation for Medical Education by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee. "It goes without saying how significant this accreditation is for the faculty, for the University of Istočno Sarajevo, and for the entire Republika Srpska. Every year, more students enroll in this faculty, and the government, recognizing the importance of this fact, has approved all faculty requests to expand enrollment quotas this year as well," Karan stated. He noted that this is also reflected in the funds allocated for the construction of a new pavilion at the Boriša Starović Student Center in Foča, amounting to USD 13 million. Karan also highlighted guarantees provided by the Government of Republika Srpska to secure funds for continuing faculty operations, free tuition for a significant number of domestic students, free accommodation, and investments in raising academic staff standards through salary increases. He emphasized that it is important to the Republika Srpska government that students, teachers, and collaborators all have adequate working and living conditions, a good standard of living, and access to the latest technologies and teaching aids. He noted that this is evidenced by the University of Istočno Sarajevo receiving investments exceeding BAM 44 million. Karan singled out the purchase, reconstruction, and equipping of a building to secure housing capacities for the Rectorate and Music Academy, valued at BAM 13,974,780. "Additionally, there is ongoing expansion of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, valued at BAM 9,728,137, and construction of a simulation and administrative center for the Faculty of Medicine in Foča, with a total project value of BAM 6,800,000," Karan said. He also referred to the interior renovation of the Concert Hall for the needs of the Rectorate and Music Academy of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, valued at BAM 3,700,000. "The Government of Republika Srpska will continue to be your partner and support! I proudly congratulate you on all you have achieved so far and wish you continued success in your work and existence," Karan concluded in his address.