A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the newly renovated facilities of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Clinic for Psychiatry of the University Clinical Center Tuzla. The event was attended by numerous guests, representatives of institutions, donors, and healthcare professionals.
The project, entitled “Reconstruction of the Building for the Needs of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Clinic for Psychiatry in Tuzla,” was implemented with the aim of improving the quality of care and treatment provided to children and adolescents, one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
The reconstruction was financed through donor funds collected by the Mental Health for All Foundation, with significant contributions from the Government of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Mufti’s Office of Tuzla, and the Government of the Tuzla Canton.
According to Izet Pajević, the idea of establishing a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry dates back to 1994, during the war period.
“During that time, we began training in the field of child trauma and its treatment. With the arrival of Professor Asad Husein in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we started developing the concept of a dedicated department for the treatment of trauma in children and adolescents. The foundation was established in 2019, when work on this project officially began. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation was temporarily suspended. Today, we are witnessing the completion of the first phase of the project, through which five inpatient beds have been provided, three for girls and two for boys.
The facility was designed by an architectural studio that also supervised the reconstruction works, resulting in a space that meets the highest international standards for child and adolescent psychiatric care. In the coming period, we plan to complete the second and third phases of the project, which will create a modern Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center unlike any other in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with approximately 400 square meters of dedicated space,” said Prof. Dr. Pajević.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nerminka Aljukić, Head of the Clinic for Psychiatry the consequences of aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, war- related trauma, the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, and the challenges of the modern age, including excessive internet use, video games, and cyberbullying, have created a complex environment that significantly affects the mental health of children and adolescents, one of the most vulnerable population groups.
“Each of us involved in mental health care bears a responsibility in protecting and promoting the mental well-being of children and young people. The opening of this adapted facility for the hospitalization of children and adolescents is of great importance, first and foremost from a legal perspective. Legislation clearly stipulates that children and adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment must be accommodated separately from adult patients. At the same time, the project has considerable professional and scientific value. Its significance is reflected in strengthening prevention, enabling early recognition of mental health difficulties, and providing timely interventions. Such an approach can significantly reduce the risk of developing more severe mental health disorders in adulthood,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aljukić.
According to the Director of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, today’s event represents far more than the opening of newly renovated facilities. It symbolizes the commitment of the University Clinical Center Tuzla to continuously improve healthcare services and respond to the needs of citizens, particularly the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
“The mental health of children and adolescents is one of the most important challenges in modern medicine. Today’s children and young people are growing up in an environment marked by numerous social, technological, and developmental challenges. It is our responsibility to provide them with professional support, a safe environment, and timely assistance whenever they face emotional, psychological, or developmental difficulties.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare professionals, expert associates, designers, contractors, donors, and institutions whose dedication and support made this project possible. Their contribution has enabled the creation of a facility that will significantly enhance the quality of mental healthcare services for children and adolescents.
I am particularly proud that the University Clinical Center Tuzla continues to develop services that align with contemporary medical standards and the evolving needs of the population. To our future patients and their families, I want to emphasize that they will find here not only professional medical care, but also understanding, support, and hope. Every child who enters this department should feel that they are not alone and that a team of dedicated experts is ready to help them on their path to recovery and well-being,” emphasized Director Umihanić.
At the end of his address, Director Umihanić wished all employees of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry much success in their future work and professional endeavors.
