Institute for Addiction Diseases of Sarajevo Canton Responds to Criticism: We Stand Behind the Decision to Relocate the Substitution Therapy Center

(Patria) - The Institute for Addiction Diseases of Sarajevo Canton issued a press release after stormy reactions regarding the relocation of the Substitution Therapy Center (OST), intended for the treatment of long-term users, from its previous location on Omer Stupca Street to a new address – Bolnička Street 10.

"We understand and respect the concerns expressed by some representatives of the local communities of Višnjik, Park, Breka, Podhrastovi, and surrounding settlements after this decision. Precisely for this reason, we want to transparently and responsibly share key information that clearly confirms that the new location has been carefully chosen and is fully aligned with all legally prescribed medical and safety standards.

Key facts:

- The center is located within a healthcare facility, in a building that meets all technical, safety, and professional requirements prescribed for this type of activity.
- Access to the facility is organized directly from the main road (Bolnička Street), with a separate entrance, ramp, and parking. There is no direct contact between patients and other users or citizens.
- The premises are under constant video surveillance, and professional security services are provided.
- Working hours with patients are on weekdays from 08:30 to 14:00. The center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- The number of patients who come daily for therapy is between 70 and 80. Others come once or twice a week, while some come for therapy every two or three weeks.
- Patients stay only during the time of picking up therapy or prescriptions. There is no prolonged stay on the premises.
- The majority of patients are of older age (40+, 50+, 60+), who have gone through wartime and post-war traumas, and for whom substitution therapy is a crucial step towards rehabilitation, health preservation, and reintegration into society.
- These are individuals who live among us, work, have families and children, and who use the services of other healthcare institutions, including their primary care clinics, the General Hospital, and the Clinical Center.

We remind you that the Institute for Addiction Diseases of Sarajevo Canton operated within the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (Abdominal Surgery) from 2000 to 2016, with excellent professional cooperation and without incidents. Then – as now, we were guided exclusively by professional and humane principles.

Addiction is not just a health challenge – it is a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive response through prevention, treatment, social support, and inclusion.

The Institute for Addiction Diseases of Sarajevo Canton actively participates in the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan of the Sarajevo Canton for Combating Drug Abuse (2024–2028), through work with elementary and high school students, educational programs, workshops, and counseling for adolescents.

Examples from the region show that large clinical centers have located their substitution therapy centers within their own systems – for supervision, safety, and efficiency. We are following such good practices.

This decision is not about shifting a problem, but about establishing a professional, safe, and controlled treatment model for people who have the right to healthcare, just like all other citizens.

It is the result of a responsible and thoughtful process aimed at preserving the health of patients and the safety of all citizens.

Finally, we want to emphasize: people undergoing treatment for addiction are part of our community. They deserve support, not stigma. The healthcare system exists for everyone – for chronically ill patients, for those with mental illnesses, and for people in the process of rehabilitation.

The Institute for Addiction Diseases of the Sarajevo Canton firmly and with arguments stands behind this decision – because we believe it is in the best interest of both the patients and the wider community.