Based on a report from Transparency International in BiH (TI BiH), the Cantonal Inspectorate of Tuzla Canton found four doctors in Živinice who were providing healthcare services to patients without a work permit and registered activity. They were issued a work ban, and the authorities’ response came after persistent insistence from TI BiH, which had sent the first report in this case back in January 2022.
TI BiH initially received an anonymous report from citizens that numerous doctors in this city were illegally performing medical activities in unsuitable facilities, on balconies, and in private houses, illegally using referrals from public health institutions where they are regularly employed, and leaving work early to perform private practice. TI BiH forwarded this information to the Cantonal Inspectorate, reporting 15 doctors and 10 dentists suspected of illegally performing medical activities.
The Cantonal Inspectorate initially refused to act because the addresses of the named doctors in Živinice were not provided with the report, so the response stated that it was not possible to carry out an inspection.
TI BiH further insisted that this information could be obtained in cooperation with the police and other competent institutions, which was eventually done, and cantonal inspectors found doctors who were illegally performing medical activities.
In cooperation with the Criminal Police Sector of Tuzla Canton, addresses were obtained where almost all reported doctors and dentists perform medical activities. For four individuals, we were unable to obtain data. In four cases, it was determined that the named individuals possess a decision from the Ministry of Health of Tuzla Canton approving private practice. In four cases, it was determined that the named individuals were performing activities without the Ministry’s approval, and they were issued a work ban. Other doctors and dentists were not found performing activities, nor do the controlled facilities indicate that medical activities are being performed there, but they will certainly be subject to inspection in the coming period, states, among other things, the response from the Cantonal Inspectorate.
TI BiH will continue to insist that the competent inspection bodies increase controls on doctors who illegally perform dual practice, as this is a widespread phenomenon in which resources of public health institutions are often misused, and the health of patients receiving healthcare in unsupervised conditions is put at risk.
It should also be remembered that two years ago, inspection bodies discovered numerous irregularities and banned certain private practices from operating after public pressure due to the tragic outcome of a surgical procedure in a private health facility in Sarajevo.
