Warning to citizens: Do not move without urgent need, do not keep your hands in your pockets when walking on ice

(Patria) - The Minister of Health of Sarajevo Canton (KS) Enis Hasanović visited health institutions in the KS area today to inform himself about the functioning of the health system and the situation on the ground under difficult weather conditions caused by snow, freezing rain, ice, and low temperatures.

The Ministry of Health of KS informs the public that the health system is functioning fully, that all health institutions are operating, and that health services are available to citizens without delay.

All emergency medical interventions were carried out without problems, and all vehicles of the KS Emergency Medical Service are equipped with 4x4 drive, which enabled smooth operation even in the most demanding conditions.

During the visit, the following was determined:

○ All local clinics of JU Dom zdravlja KS are accessible, and their entrances are cleaned and passable, parking spaces are not fully cleaned, but this does not affect the availability of health services;
○ General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš" and KCUS have cleaned entrances, and are fully functional and accessible to patients;
○ Sloping and difficult-to-access parts of Sarajevo Canton are covered, and all patients who needed medical intervention were treated on time;
○ Mountain Rescue Service (GSS) has made 10 vehicles available, and additional resources have been offered by Civil Protection and other services which are currently not needed, given the stable functioning of the system;
○ GSS and ATV club remain on standby and available to health institutions if the need arises;
○ KJKP "Rad" continuously carries out manual and mechanical cleaning of snow and ice, as well as spreading anti-icing agents on the approaches to health institutions and pedestrian areas;
○ The home care service of the Institute for the Protection of Women's Health and Maternity regularly performs all visits to mothers and newborns, including those in hard-to-reach areas of Sarajevo Canton.

The Ministry of Health of KS particularly emphasizes the contribution of all people on the ground - healthcare workers, emergency services, home care services, utility services, and partner organizations - whose work in extraordinary circumstances is crucial for preserving the health and safety of citizens.

- All health institutions are operating and the system is functioning stably. I visited the institutions and the situation on the ground is better than in many places in the region. Thanks to the preparedness of the system, doctors, and people in the health sector, all interventions were carried out without problems. Thank you to everyone who contributes to adequate healthcare - said Minister Hasanović.

Given that extremely low temperatures and ice are expected in the coming days, the Ministry of Health of KS appeals to citizens not to move without urgent need and to follow doctors' advice, including not keeping their hands in their pockets when walking on ice, in order to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

The Ministry of Health of KS will continue to monitor the situation and, in cooperation with all competent services, take necessary measures to ensure that the health system remains stable and accessible to all citizens of KS.