Our Community, Our Health: Continuously Developing Family Medicine

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - On the occasion of April 7 - World Health Day, the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton and with the support of the Ministry of Health of Sarajevo Canton, organized a Discussion Forum today titled "Our Community, Our Health".

Among others, the Minister of Health of KS, Prof. Dr. Haris Vranić, addressed the attendees, stating that this day is celebrated to build awareness about a specific health-related topic and to draw the attention of professionals, citizens, policymakers, and decision-makers to specific priority issues related to people's health, which are the focus of the World Health Organization.

"The Ministry of Health provides its continuous support for the development of family medicine, which is the backbone of primary healthcare development, as well as other activities at the primary healthcare level. The JU Institute for Emergency Medical Assistance is located in the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, and this Ministry is focused on improving the legal framework for the work of this institution, along with improving staff and equipment in this institution, all with the aim of raising the quality of services for our citizens," stated Minister Vranić.

He added that continuous support is needed in the area of prevention and health promotion, as well as the cooperation of the entire community on key public health issues.

"This Ministry has, for the first time in its budget this year, planned more than two million KM for cancer prevention screening programs in Sarajevo Canton," emphasized Minister Vranić.

The Director of the Public Health Institute of KS, Prof. Dr. Aida Pilav, stated that health is a constantly changing process. She added that new challenges await us after two years.

"A systemic framework needs to be created, all sectors need to be connected, because that is the only way we can progress," stated Director Pilav.

In his address, the Mayor of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, Dr. Hasan Tanović, emphasized that today's meeting is dedicated to community health issues with the aim of showcasing citizen initiatives through local communities and projects implemented by non-governmental organizations, as partners of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo, through examples of good practice.

"This is also an opportunity to discuss how we can do better and more to promote people's health and a healthier environment, and to make the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo a place where the quality of life and people's well-being are paramount. In our Municipality, we are investing efforts in an environment that will ensure a healthier life, which is also an integral part of our strategic documents that have integrated environmental, health, and people's prosperity and well-being issues," emphasized Mayor Tanović.

In addition to representatives of health institutions, the forum was attended by representatives of 18 local communities in Novo Sarajevo and non-governmental organizations from this local community. On that occasion, good practices of cooperation with local authorities were presented with the aim of improving the living environment and achieving optimal community health.