Bosnia and Herzegovina Ombudsmen call on all levels of government to start procuring vaccines

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina call on all levels of government to take measures in accordance with their competencies to quickly procure vaccines needed for immunization, especially vulnerable categories of the population.

On this occasion, the Ombudsmen particularly wish to emphasize the importance of healthcare, which must be organized in a way that provides citizens with the most effective protection. In exercising the right to healthcare, states are obliged to make technologies (medicines, equipment, and interventions) available, including immunization. Regarding vaccination, the Ombudsmen believe that the focus must be directed towards the right of every individual to healthcare, as well as the right of others with whom they are in contact.

The Ombudsmen remind that any failure of the competent authorities to take measures to ensure effective access to healthcare is a violation of human rights.

In a situation where Bosnia and Herzegovina lags behind the region and European countries in terms of the vaccination process, the Ombudsmen believe that urgent measures are needed to ensure an equal position for the citizens of this country.