Almir Dudić, President of the Srebrenica Municipal Assembly, visited the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla), where he met with the Director, Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić.
During the meeting, Dudić expressed gratitude to the management of UKC Tuzla, led by Prof. Dr. Umihanić, for the continuous provision of healthcare services to the returnee population in the Republika Srpska. He emphasized that this support represents an invaluable contribution to improving the quality of life for returnees.
Director Umihanić highlighted that the treatment of returnees from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina residing in RS municipalities is financed through budget transfers from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The funds are allocated via the Federal Ministry of Health and implemented through the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with which UKC Tuzla has a signed contract.
Due to insufficient funding, the University Clinical Center Tuzla has repeatedly sent urgent notifications to the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the relevant ministries, and the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute of FBiH, requesting additional resources and clear guidelines for further action. The currently allocated funds do not cover the actual costs of treatment. Nevertheless, UKC Tuzla has never suspended the provision of healthcare services to returnees in the Republika Srpska.
The President of the Srebrenica Municipal Assembly, Almir Dudić, expressed his gratitude for the continuous support provided by UKC Tuzla. He particularly highlighted the free specialist examinations that UKC Tuzla doctors conduct at the EMMAUS clinic in Potočari, available to the entire population, as well as the institution’s significant contribution to providing medical care during the annual commemoration of July 11, the Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide.
Dudić emphasized that UKC Tuzla has earned the trust and respect of returnees, which was formally recognized by the Municipality of Srebrenica through the awarding of one of its highest honors- the “Municipal Plaque.” The award was presented to UKC Tuzla and received by Director Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić on the occasion of Srebrenica Municipality Day.
Director Umihanić underscored that providing healthcare services to returnees is not only a legal obligation, but also a moral duty toward people who have returned to their homes after years of exile.
“Regardless of the attitude of higher levels of government and the lack of understanding of the seriousness of this issue, UKC Tuzla will continue to support returnees and ensure they receive the necessary healthcare. However, it is crucial that the competent institutions acknowledge the gravity of the situation and secure stable financing, so that treatment can continue without disruption,” said Director Umihanić.
