Minister Vojislav Šimun Addresses Health System Accountability After Tragic Deaths

Montenegro’s Minister of Health, Vojislav Šimun, confirmed that accountability will be established following the tragic death of a young boy in Bara. In a recent legislative session, Šimun emphasized the need for precise identification of individual responsibility, stating that without recognizing and prosecuting specific cases of negligence, systemic improvements cannot be made.

During a session of the Second Regular Assembly of 2025, Šimun responded to multiple inquiries regarding the country’s health system, highlighting that every tragic outcome is a devastating event not just for the affected families, but for the entire healthcare system. He acknowledged the recent spike in mortality cases within Montenegrin hospitals, including two newborn deaths at the Nikšić General Hospital within a year.

Addressing concerns about the treatment of physiotherapists in the country, Boris Mugoša, a member of the Social Democratic Party, questioned the government’s commitment to improving their working conditions. Šimun assured that physiotherapists play a crucial role in healthcare, indicating that the government is actively working with the relevant stakeholders to revise the collective labor agreement for health professionals.

“There is a clear commitment from the government to ensure that health professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve,” Šimun stated. He noted that a working group has been formed to address these issues, and the government aims to implement changes that would lead to increased salaries by the end of the year.

The minister also addressed questions about initiatives to boost birth rates in Montenegro. He reported a favorable trend compared to many regional and European Union countries, highlighting programs such as maternity schools and improved access to fertility services. “We have a positive natural increase in eight municipalities in Montenegro. Support from other ministries and local governments is essential,” he added.

In response to inquiries from Velimir Đoković of the New Serbian Democracy party regarding potential resignations due to the recent fatalities in healthcare, Šimun acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He expressed deep sympathy for the families affected, stating that transparency and determination of responsibility are paramount.

“Such events require clarity in processes and accountability from all involved,” Šimun remarked. He further clarified that while one case of a newborn’s death occurred before his tenure, the ministry has taken significant steps to address the subsequent incidents, including forming an external review committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation into the death of the boy from Bara involves multiple healthcare institutions, including private facilities. Šimun assured that the ministry is taking all necessary actions to determine if there were any lapses in medical care. “It is crucial to establish whether negligence occurred and to ensure that such matters are not swept under the rug,” he asserted.

As the health ministry strives for improvements, Šimun emphasized the importance of a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to enhance the healthcare system. He concluded by addressing public concerns regarding funding shortages, stating that ensuring the availability of medications is a top priority for the government.

“Public interest should focus on whether medications will be available and that this remains high on our agenda,” Šimun stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the health sector amid ongoing challenges.