MINIĆ: WE ARE STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING HEALTHCARE SECTOR

BANJA LUKA, MAY 29 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić has said today in Banja Luka that the Government's commitment is to further strengthen and modernize the healthcare sector in Srpska in patients' interest.

Minić told the press that this is also demonstrated by today's ceremonial commissioning of the most advanced equipment for the treatment of malignant diseases, namely a third linear accelerator and a brachytherapy device at the Radiotherapy Centre in Banja Luka, located in the Polyclinic building of the University Clinical Centre /UCC/ of Republika Srpska. He stated that the investment amounts to BAM 10 million, but that the focus is primarily on people. "Thanks to a serious programme and continuous activity, we can say that all oncology patients, especially the youngest ones, have free transportation, timely and quality treatment, accommodation, therapy, modern care, and everything we can currently provide. We can say that we are now one of the most modern centres in the broader region in this regard," Minić emphasized. He said the Government would like to enable all citizens to have more efficient and higher-quality healthcare, treatment, care, and support. Minić added that the focus of the Government is people and that everything will be done to create a better environment, noting that these efforts are also supported by President Milorad Dodik, with whom he spoke today. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Alen Šeranić said that the introduction of new technologies will enable better, higher-quality, and faster treatment of oncology patients. "I wish the staff at the Radiotherapy Centre, and all of us, long-lasting, good, and high-quality future cooperation, with as few patients as possible visiting this centre," Šeranić added. Acting Director of the UCC Nikola Šobot said that the acquisition of the accelerator is not only an investment in modern medical equipment, but in life itself. "Malignant diseases are one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine, but every step toward modern treatment is of invaluable importance. Our patients will have access to therapies and treatment of malignant diseases in accordance with the highest standards," Šobot said. He added that Republika Srpska is building a healthcare system that is efficient, humane, and focused on patients' needs. Marijan Bilić from the Radiotherapy Centre said that since its opening in 2010, the centre has provided radiation therapy services to more than 30,000 oncology patients and has never had a waiting list. Jelena Prodan from the parents' association Iskra said that modern methods will greatly help in the treatment of the youngest patients with malignant diseases.