"We find it deeply concerning and unacceptable that any healthcare worker faces threats or pressure precisely in a space that must represent a place of safety, professional dignity and unhindered provision of healthcare to citizens. Healthcare institutions must remain a space in which doctors and other healthcare workers can perform their profession freely, responsibly and in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards," the Ministry of Health emphasizes.
The Ministry of Health, they state, wants to express clear professional and collegial solidarity with Dr. Abdić, but also with all healthcare workers who perform one of the most responsible social vocations on a daily basis, conscientiously and responsibly. Any attempt to intimidate or put pressure on a healthcare worker represents not only a personal attack, but also an attempt to violate the integrity of the healthcare profession and the trust that citizens have in the healthcare system.
"There have also been claims in the public sphere that this event could be connected to earlier statements by Dr. Abdić in which he pointed out potential irregularities and possible corruption in the healthcare system. Without going into the evaluation of these allegations, the Ministry of Health would like to emphasize that the integrity of institutions, transparency and consistent fight against corruption are the fundamental principles on which the work of the Montenegrin healthcare system is based," the Ministry of Health emphasizes.
On this occasion, the Minister of Health, Dr. Vojislav Šimun, said that it is unacceptable for any healthcare worker to be exposed to threats due to their professional activities.
"I condemn the threats made to Dr. Abdić at his workplace in the strongest terms and consider them unacceptable. Every doctor must have the right to perform his job freely, professionally and without any form of pressure. I extend my full professional and personal support to Dr. Abdić. At the same time, I want to clearly emphasize that the fight against corruption is the obligation and responsibility of all of us in the healthcare system and in this sense, we are all on the same mission. Preserving the integrity of institutions, strengthening citizens' trust in the healthcare system, as well as the fight against corruption in healthcare, remain the fundamental postulates of my work and the activities of the Ministry of Health," said Minister Šimun.
The Ministry of Health expects the competent institutions to determine all the circumstances of this event as soon as possible and take appropriate measures in accordance with the law, in order to send a clear message that threats and pressure against healthcare workers, especially in their workplace, cannot and will not be tolerated.
"The healthcare system must remain a space of professional integrity, mutual respect and responsibility towards the public interest, and the Ministry of Health remains firmly committed to consistently protecting and promoting these values," the Ministry of Health concluded.
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