The health and protection of the population are priorities for any well-organised system. For healthcare professionals to perform their duties effectively, they need the necessary conditions that will not slow down their work. For instance, modern laboratories and electronic health records contribute to more efficient communication among staff, leading to faster diagnoses.
The importance of a fully functioning healthcare system across all segments is evident on a daily basis, particularly in emergencies, such as epidemics or pandemics — as was the case with COVID-19. Systems activated in emergencies must not be neglected during periods without major crises.
While the state’s efforts in this area are significant, additional support and assistance are required to achieve even better results.
The EU Supports Strengthening Public Health Resilience
The goal of the project "EU for a More Responsive Healthcare System", implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) between 2023 and 2027, is to enhance the resilience of Serbia's public health system and its capacity to respond to public health threats. This is to be achieved in line with EU and international standards. The allocated budget for this project is €12 million.
Objectives of the Project
- Improve the resilience of Serbia's public health system.
- Enhance capacity to respond to public health threats, in line with EU and international standards.
Existing Capacities and Goals
Serbia has a solid foundation for responding to potential emergencies, demonstrated during its COVID-19 pandemic response. This includes a healthcare system structure with 158 primary healthcare institutions across every municipality in the country.
However, stronger connections between the public health system and relevant national institutions, as well as local-level partners, including civil society organisations, are needed for better response capabilities.
When it comes to cross-border health threats, including infectious diseases, Serbia’s capacity for monitoring and responding to serious health threats remains limited and in need of modernisation.
Modernisation and Capacity Building
Although state authorities are working to establish a centralised health information and communication system, they require support. Efforts should focus on:
- Developing standards and procedures for using laboratory data in infectious disease surveillance.
- Improving the quality of biosafety and biosecurity management systems.
- Strengthening diagnostic capacities.
What Will Be Achieved?
The expected results highlight why it is crucial to improve this sector, as the benefits will extend to all citizens of Serbia.
The projected outcomes are as follows:
- Three laboratories at public health institutes in Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac will be reconstructed and equipped to meet Biosafety Level 2/2+ standards.
- Procedures will be developed, and public health institute staff trained to implement the Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) in daily operations.
- Procedures for the healthcare system’s emergency response at both national and local levels will be developed.
- Healthcare workers, including sanitary inspectors, will be trained at national and local levels to manage public health emergencies and provide psychosocial support to citizens affected by health crises.
- The disaster risk register will be upgraded to include public health risks, improving preparedness for emergencies.
- A Health Information System will be established through the enhancement of the Electronic Health Record System, with a focus on infectious disease surveillance.
- An e-Health platform will be implemented, and training will be provided for public health institute staff and citizens.
The main activities under this initiative were recently presented at the Dr Milan Jovanović Batut Public Health Institute.
On this occasion, Emanuele Giaufret, EU Ambassador to Serbia, stated:
"The results of this initiative will enhance the healthcare system at various levels. We will provide better and more modern laboratories, improved data management, and modernised patient health records. Additionally, we aim for greater preparedness for health emergencies. Healthcare workers deserve to have the most up-to-date data and the best equipment to do what they excel at: treating people and saving lives."