Action plan followed by no reaction: Temporary isolation facility in planning phase!

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Action Plan of the conclusions of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly regarding the Information on undertaken measures and proposals for measures to suppress the spread of coronavirus, which was discussed at the Assembly session on August 25, was adopted by the KS Government on September 28. Although it was stated that activities on establishing a temporary isolation facility were underway, the KS Ministry of Health stated in their response to Patria that the temporary isolation facility is in the "planning" phase. By the way, the Minister of Economy, Draško Jeličić (DF), was appointed acting Minister of Health.

"The temporary isolation facility is in the planning phase (space, necessary staff, and equipment). The Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Health will, if necessary, propose to the Sarajevo Canton Government the establishment of a temporary isolation facility, and if needed, everything will be ready for its establishment (approvals, equipment, staff, space)," the response states.

Regarding the isolation facility in the former garrison clinic building, which will be managed by the "Prim.dr. Abdulah Nakaš" General Hospital, the KS Ministry of Health says that the renovation and equipping activities for the Isolation Facility in the Garrison Clinic are being led by UNDP based on a signed contract and according to the established timeline, and therefore this part of the activities is not within the scope of the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Health.

"The Sarajevo Canton has sufficient capacity for patient accommodation, so in October, as well as in any other month, all patients will be accommodated in hospital institutions in the Sarajevo Canton if necessary," they emphasize in the response.

The only isolation facility currently existing in the KS area is at Podhrastovi at KCUS, which houses more than 30 patients, while the one next to the General Hospital could be ready by mid-December.