Women's Health Institute opens in renovated Old Town Health Center

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Women's Health and Maternity Institute – Old Town location officially opened today in the Old Town Health Center. The Institute's premises had been closed since last year due to the reconstruction of the Old Town Health Center, and after the works were completed, its equipping followed. Although the premises were ready to receive patients long ago, due to the coronavirus pandemic, they served as a reserve location in case of a coronavirus infection in any part of the Women's Health and Maternity Institute.

On the occasion of the opening of the premises, the renovation of which was financed by the Municipality of Old Town Sarajevo, the Women's Health and Maternity Institute – Old Town location was visited by the Mayor, Mr. Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, with his associates. He reminded that the Old Town Health Center started operating on March 1st after the Municipality of Old Town financed its complete reconstruction. The facility's capacity was increased, a new facade was installed, all windows and doors were replaced, lighting fixtures were installed, an elevator was built, toilets were renovated, and a new roof structure was completed.

“I believe that the Old Town Health Center facility is currently the most beautiful health center in the Sarajevo Canton. I am glad that this department is also starting its work today and that our fellow citizens will now have services in Old Town, and based on what we have seen, the conditions will now be much better. New furniture and equipment have been provided, as well as an information system, which will contribute to better service,” stated Mayor Hadžibajrić.

The Director of the Women's Health and Maternity Institute, Mr. sci. med. dr. Enis Hasanović, expressed his conviction that a large number of patients from Old Town will return to this institution, given that they have so far used services at the central facility on Josipa Vancaša Street.

“Before the renovation of the building, one gynecologist worked in this department, exclusively due to a smaller number of patients. However, considering how wonderful this new department is, we will try to increase the number of patients. We have two examination rooms ready and a third for ultrasound, which means we can have three gynecologists here, and we will add more as needed,” he said. Speaking about the conditions offered by the new department, he stated: “The furniture is new, IT equipment... we also have a new alarm and internet system. I am sure that this is the most beautiful department within the Old Town Health Center itself, but also our most beautiful location in the entire city,” stated Dr. Hasanović.

Dr. Mersiha Bašić-Muharemović is currently the only gynecologist in this institution. “The Women's Health and Maternity Institute of Sarajevo Canton has assigned one gynecologist at this moment, and we are starting to work from today. Working hours are every day, from 07:30 to 15:00, and we will also have evening shifts until 20:00 for working patients. With new equipment, we are following standards, which is very difficult in the 21st century. The Institute's management is monitoring the needs of women in Old Town, and I believe we will provide services at the highest level,” stated Dr. Bašić-Muharemović.

The reconstruction of the Old Town Health Center was completed in January of this year. To increase the facility's capacity, an additional floor was added to the north and south wings. The facility is fully functional for work, and it has been achieved that it provides new, expanded services. The Municipality of Old Town financed the reconstruction of the Health Center with an amount exceeding two million convertible marks.