Appeal from Minister Šimunović to governments at all levels: Urgently check security systems in homes for the elderly

(Patria) - Minister of Labor, Social Policy and Refugees of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC) Antonio Šimunović expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic fire that occurred in the Pensioners' Home in Tuzla, in which 11 people lost their lives and 36 sought medical assistance.

- With deep sorrow and disbelief, we received the news of this tragedy. On behalf of the Government of ZDC and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the employees of the Home, and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our thoughts are with the injured and all those affected by this unfortunate event - said Šimunović.

He emphasized that this accident strongly warns of the importance of safety standards in institutions that care for the elderly and vulnerable persons.

He recalled that a fire incident was recently recorded at the Public Institution Pensioners' Home with a nursing facility of ZDC, which, thanks to a functioning fire alarm system and a quick response from the staff, was successfully contained without casualties or major material damage.

- This tragedy must be a reason for action. I appeal to governments at all levels to urgently initiate a detailed review of the condition of installations and fire protection systems in all homes for the elderly, as well as in other social protection institutions.

The safety and lives of the users of these institutions must be an absolute priority of public policies and budget planning - emphasized Šimunović.