It's not in HDZ's or Murphy's interest, so the "Trojka" plays dead: What to say about a government that can't appoint a KCUS director for a year!

By: Amina Čorbo-Zećo

Professor Ismet Gavrankapetanović, MD, was appointed as the new General Director of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS) almost a year ago, specifically on December 28, 2023.

The KCUS Management Board decided so at the time, but to this day, a year later, the appointment decision has never been confirmed due to the lack of consent from the Federal Minister of Health, Nediljko Rimac.

During this period, acting directors have changed, and the "Trojka" (Trio) has demonstrated its immense ignorance and disunity, as even within the SDP, NIP, and Our Party, there is no consensus on the name. HDZ BiH remains on the sidelines, as we have learned that for this party, any issue concerning any institution important for cantons where HDZ is not part of the government is irrelevant!?

On the other hand, the "Trojka" has contributed significantly to the organization and development of cantons with a Croatian majority, while they have devastated, in every sense, primarily Sarajevo Canton and other cantons with a Bosniak majority.

And, the best example and at the same time the greatest social danger is the devastation of KCUS and other clinical centers where the "Trojka" is brutally destroying healthcare.
Does anyone remember the statements of Dragan Stevanović from 2023 when he was elected to the Management Board of the University Clinical Center?

He said at the time that it is not an exaggeration to say that he somewhat fears what he will find at the Clinical Center.

We don't know if the fear has increased, because for a full year they have been unable to appoint a director, and consequently, conduct a thorough analysis of personnel, financial, spatial, and all other conditions under which the Clinical Center operates.

And, precisely in such an environment, patients seek salvation in Mostar, Banja Luka, Zagreb, Belgrade, Turkey... while huge funds are allocated, but unfortunately, this also goes according to the principle of ethnic affiliation of managers who approve funds (Health Insurance Fund, Minister of Health)...

The current government has not only failed to prove its readiness to implement any serious healthcare reorganization plan, but they have also shown that they are unable to even appoint a director!?
We can only imagine what reactions would occur if, by chance, SDA or DF were in such a position!?

Not only would they be exposed to daily protests, but their resignations and a government reshuffle would be demanded. The current government has not been affected by the protest of the KCUS Trade Union, which is increasingly aware of the seriousness of the current situation.

And, the protests held on two occasions have only superficially shown the difficult situation at the most important healthcare institution in BiH.

The demands were clear – the appointment of a permanent General Director of the Clinical Center and its Management Board is requested, as well as the payment of debts to KCUS employees.

That the Collective Agreement be applied to all KCUS employees, not just those left to the mercy of their superiors and heads, and there is also a debt of six million marks.

Now, it is expected that the Trade Union will take rigorous measures, specifically a lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Health, due to the failure to resolve the issue of electing a director.

However, such announcements have not prompted the government to resolve this issue. What then can be said about such a government? Has Stevanović's fear increased, or does he still only care about what Sebija Izetbegović left behind? And they haven't lifted a finger in a year. What matters to them are tenders, and patients are certainly in third place for them.

Perhaps the US Ambassador to BiH, Michael Murphy, should get involved, as he did with the Southern Interconnection issue, and the "Trojka" would understand the importance of this matter; until then, we can only dream about it.