Gavrankapetanović to head General Hospital starting tomorrow, the right man for the right job

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The pilot project for the introduction of Inclusive Standards (ISOSI) for persons with disabilities at the General Hospital “Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš“ lasted two years and was realized in cooperation with the Agency for Quality and Accreditation in Healthcare in FBiH (AKAZ). In the past period, many construction and other works were carried out, and staff training was completed. The culmination of this work is today's awarding of accreditation for work according to ISOSI standards with persons with disabilities, for easier access to the healthcare facility and healthcare services.

Almir Bilić, director of AKAZ, at a special ceremony held on this occasion at the General Hospital, which was held according to all protection recommendations due to the current pandemic, presented the accreditation to director prim. dr. Zlatko Kravić, who is completing his four-year term today. He emphasized that this is a focused accreditation, the third in a row, and that the General Hospital is the healthcare institution with the most accreditations in BiH.

Along with the accreditation, he also presented a letter of thanks to prim. Kravić for his personal commitment and contribution to the good cooperation between the two institutions. Director Kravić thanked for this important recognition, reminding that a lot of work and changes preceded the accreditation, but that the most important change happened in the awareness of the employees.

"It is not only about changing physical barriers, but also about a total change in awareness, approach, and attitude of the staff towards persons with disabilities. The staff underwent the necessary training, and about forty employees successfully completed a sign language course, used by people with hearing impairments. Also, information in Braille has been installed for blind and visually impaired patients, as well as guiding paths (tactile surfaces) that help blind people reach the outpatient clinics. In addition, bathrooms for persons with disabilities and other necessary construction and other works have been done," stated Kravić.

Finally, he wished his successor, prof. dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović, whose term as acting director of the General Hospital begins tomorrow, a successful tenure, saying that he is “the right man for the right job” and that patients have benefited the most from his appointment.

The new director, prof. Ismet Gavrankapetanović, also briefly addressed the present media representatives and employees, stating that in his work he will strive to make a new step forward in improving healthcare services for all patients, as well as in educating young people.

He also reminded that in the past period during the current coronavirus pandemic, there were problems and limitations that caused suffering for patients.

"I will strive for us all to adequately respond to the demands of our citizens," said Professor Ismet Gavrakapetanović.

He concluded with a proverb that he will continue to work on everything that is good and correct what can be corrected.