At the sitting held on 22 October 2009, the Committee on Health and the Family considered the health service problems in remote areas distant from major medical centres.

The sitting, organised with the support of ProConcept, Belgrade non-government institution, was held at the Community Health Care Centre in Tutin at the invitation of the health institution’s managers.

The sitting was chaired by Dr Paja Momcilov, Committee Chairman. In addition to the Committee members, the Director of the Health Care Centre, Dr Serif Hamzagic, Heads of the Pediatrics, Internal and Gynecology Wards, local self-government representatives and Dr Ivana Misic, Assistant Minister of Health also took part in the discussion. Before the formal beginning of the sitting, the Committee was taken on a tour of the health institution to gained insight in its capacities and resources.

Following the discussion, the Committee unanimously adopted the following Conclusions:

1. The Committee on Health and the Family was impressed by the premises, equipment and employee structure of the Health Care Centre, particularly the enthusiasm and achieved results of the health care and other employees of the Health Care Centre and dispensary.

2. The Committee fully appreciates the justified wishes and needs of the citizens of Tutin, to open a general hospital due to specific geographical and economic conditions, so as to ensure a more optimal coverage of the citizens’ health care needs.

3. By solving the health care needs of the citizens of Tutin within existing laws, the executive government would open the path to genuine improvement of the quality of health care in all areas with similar problems.