International community representatives also dissatisfied with dismissal of Dr. Gavrankapetanović

Some high-ranking officials of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina are actively considering the abrupt and unsubstantiated dismissal of Dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović from the position of head of the Sarajevo Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology, an unofficial source in the OHR confirmed for the Patria agency, adding that this institution might soon issue a statement on the case.

The General Director of KCUS, Dr. Sebija Izetbegović, and the Board of Directors of the largest healthcare institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina dismissed Dr. Ismet Gavrankapetanović, a leading European orthopedist, from the head of the Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology. After no valid reason was provided for the dismissal, numerous reactions followed from within the country and other European states. The dismissal of Professor Gavrankapetanović has been described as political interference in the profession, which could primarily affect patients treated at this clinic.

As many as 14 out of 18 doctors at the Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology opposed the dismissal of Dr. Gavrankapetanović, but some doctors later withdrew their signatures due to pressure from KCUS management that followed after the letter of support for Dr. Gavrankapetanović with signatures of his colleagues reached the media.

Doctor unions, domestic and foreign orthopedists, leading European thinkers, and non-governmental organizations have previously expressed concern over political interference in the profession, calling the dismissal of Dr. Gavrankapetanović a step backward for Bosnia and Herzegovina by a century.

Since Dr. Izetbegović took over as head of KCUS in early 2016, around 40 doctors have left KCUS, including top specialists who found jobs at renowned clinics in the country and abroad, NAP reports.