The University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) has officially launched a cutting-edge radiotherapy system, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of malignant diseases within the Tuzla Canton. The newly installed system includes a high-precision linear accelerator, a CT simulator, an advanced radiotherapy planning system and a phantom.
This strategic investment, valued at 8,499,008.00 KM (excluding VAT), was fully financed by the Government of Tuzla Canton. The implementation of this modern equipment will enhance the precision, effectiveness, and availability of radiotherapy services, ultimately improving outcomes and care for oncology patients across the region.
“After a period of inactivity, the system for continuous planning and delivery of radiotherapy has been successfully re-established at the University Clinical Center Tuzla. The newly installed linear accelerator, CT simulator, radiotherapy planning system, and phantom represent a significant step forward in ensuring more accessible, high-quality healthcare for oncology patients. These advanced technologies enable the most modern approaches to cancer treatment and also provide our medical staff with greatly improved working conditions. The equipment embodies the pinnacle of contemporary radiotherapy technology, incorporating all the advanced features available in the field today. Since the beginning of my tenure, one of my key priorities has been the procurement of new equipment necessary for the implementation of radiotherapy. Today, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all oncology patient associations who have supported us from the very start—this achievement is a shared success. I also wish to thank the Government and representatives of the Assembly of Tuzla Canton for their support, as well as the entire procurement team, and our dedicated medical and non-medical staff. Their professionalism, commitment, and hard work have enabled us to establish a highly educated team and modern infrastructure for delivering state-of-the-art radiotherapy services at our institution.” said Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, Director of the University Clinical Center Tuzla
“In the upcoming period, we are planning—and have already initiated steps—for the procurement of a second linear accelerator. Alongside equipment acquisition, we have placed strong emphasis on additional staff training, ensuring that we are fully prepared to resume the scope of work we maintained prior to the service suspension, when more than 1,000 radiotherapy treatments were provided annually.
Looking back over the past year, we can clearly see a series of positive developments and well-planned activities within the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy at the University Clinical Center Tuzla. Following the opening of the renovated and adapted Day Hospital, we also completed the refurbishment of the clinic’s main facilities. This allowed us to introduce a new, integrated concept of oncology care in which all patients are now treated under one roof. Previously, oncology patients were accommodated in separate, physically disconnected spaces. Today, we are proud to have a fully integrated and functional unit.
This brings us to the significant milestone we are witnessing today—the commissioning of a new linear accelerator, CT simulator, radiotherapy planning system, and phantom. These advancements represent not only technological progress, but a firm commitment to improving care for oncology patients in our region.”
added Prof. Dr. Umihanić.
In his address, Director Prof. Dr. Umihanić highlighted the current situation regarding patient referrals for radiotherapy. He stated that over 100 patients are currently on the waiting list who were initially scheduled for treatment at the hospital in Zenica, as well as approximately 20 patients who were referred to UKC Sarajevo. Patients who were meant to receive treatment in Mostar are not currently on the waiting list, as the Mostar Clinical Hospital provides radiotherapy only for specific tumor locations, such as those of the urogenital tract and head and neck region.
According to standard radiotherapy protocols, once a patient begins treatment, the therapy cycle must not be interrupted. Therefore, patients who have already started radiotherapy at other centers will continue their treatment there, while those who have not yet undergone any procedures will now be treated at UKC Tuzla.
The commissioning of the new linear accelerator was met with great joy by members of several oncology patient associations, which collectively represent more than 300 individuals. Speaking on behalf of all associations, Murisa Bričić shared her emotional gratitude:
“I want to thank you for this moment of joy that we are experiencing today. It is truly a joyful and solemn occasion for all of us. I believe the word solemn is entirely appropriate. We have waited eagerly since last year—some of us even counting the days until April 8th, when the new radiation machine was scheduled to begin operating under the terms of the signed contract.”
Prim. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Osmić, Head of the Department of Radiotherapy, also addressed the attendees. He explained that, in the initial phase, radiotherapy will be administered to five to seven patients per day. In the coming period, this number is expected to increase to approximately 25 patients daily. By the end of May or the beginning of June, the department aims to provide radiotherapy services to around 50 patients per day.
