Millions for healthcare and private sector: Plan for faster treatment of cancer patients in Zenica-Doboj Canton

(Patria) – The number of cancer patients in the Zenica-Doboj Canton is growing year by year, further burdening the healthcare system, especially the Zenica Cantonal Hospital. The oncology, internal medicine, and radiology diagnostics departments are experiencing the greatest pressure, but officials claim that, despite the challenges, waiting lists are gradually shortening.

Thanks to the introduction of additional shifts and better work organization, examinations and diagnostic procedures for cancer patients are now, according to the hospital, being performed within the deadlines stipulated by medical protocols. Data shows that 774 oncological examinations were registered in October, and 781 in November, confirming the continuous increase in the number of patients.

The president of the Association of Cancer Patients "SNOP" Zenica, Boris Crljenica, emphasizes the importance of patients not being left to wait for long periods and that, if services cannot be provided within the public system, there is an option to refer them to private healthcare institutions with cost reimbursement.

Through the budget rebalancing for 2025, an additional approximately 11 million KM has been allocated to healthcare in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, while the financial plan of the Health Insurance Fund of the Zenica-Doboj Canton for 2026 foresees a budget of approximately 337 million KM. Acting Director of the Fund, Ahmed Kasap, emphasizes that a special focus has been placed precisely on reducing waiting lists.

– We have allocated significant funds to enable faster access to healthcare services for our insured persons – said Kasap.

According to the plan, two million KM have been allocated to the Zenica Cantonal Hospital for deficit healthcare services, with additional funds for shortening waiting lists if examinations cannot be performed within legal deadlines. Minister of Health of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Aida Salčinović, points out the necessity of greater involvement of other healthcare institutions in the canton.

– If a patient does not receive the necessary service within 90 days, they will be able to obtain it at a private healthcare institution, for which a special fund of one million KM has been planned – explained Salčinović.

The Zenica Cantonal Hospital warns that the existing capacities are insufficient for more than 350,000 inhabitants of the canton. Assistant Director for Medical Affairs, Rasim Iriškić, states that relieving the system through health centers and the General Hospital Tešanj is necessary.

Officials believe that the construction of a new oncology department, along with broader cooperation between public and private healthcare institutions, will enable timely treatment of cancer patients and a permanent reduction of waiting lists in the Zenica-Doboj Canton in the long term, reports BHRT.