FACULTY OF MEDICINE: PRIDE OF FOČA AND REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

FOČA, OCTOBER 14 /SRNA/ – The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska Siniša Karan stated that the Faculty of Medicine in Foča is characterized by excellence and is a gem in the field of education, a source of pride not only for the municipality but for Republika Srpska as a whole.

Karan emphasized that the goal is for higher education and scientific-technological development in Republika Srpska to strive for excellence. He highlighted that the primary idea and task of higher education is to generate knowledge that will drive Republika Srpska forward and added that efforts will be made to find ways to verify this progress. The minister announced that his ministry will work at the Faculty of Medicine in Foča on a project currently found only in Slovenia, creating an educational and administrative center, which will serve as a guarantee for developing top-quality personnel. On the occasion of the Faculty of Medicine's Day at the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Karan expressed his pleasure at participating in the celebration of the faculty’s 32 years of existence. Emphasizing that this represents three decades of joint growth alongside Republika Srpska, Karan noted that many of the most important institutions contributing to the statehood of Republika Srpska were born and matured together with it. "When it comes to higher education, the Faculty of Medicine stands out," Karan said, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the faculty reaching its current level, confirmed by its accreditation by the World Federation for Medical Education. Noting that obtaining international accreditation brings significant responsibility, Karan stated that this quality must be maintained and further improved. "This faculty is recognized as a gem in education, it has transformed the image of Foča, and it demonstrates that young people and the education system can enhance the entire community. Foča is not the same; this is a municipality of youth, students, and knowledge, and it will continue to develop in this direction," Karan concluded. He recalled that alongside improving higher education in Republika Srpska, investments are also being made in student welfare. As an example, he noted that the student dormitory in Foča will gain 380 additional places for domestic and international students, funded by approximately USD 13 million from the Saudi Fund. Karan added that investments are also being made in other educational institutions of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, from Brčko, Bijeljina, Zvornik, Istočno Sarajevo, Pale, and Foča to Trebinje, totaling approximately BAM 44 million. He also mentioned that around BAM 35 million from the Saudi Fund will be invested in the Scientific and Technological Park in Banja Luka, bringing total investment in higher education, scientific, technological, and research development to nearly BAM 100 million.