The Emergency Medical Service of Montenegro is undergoing a comprehensive reform aimed at aligning with the standards of modern urgent medicine of the European Union. Despite a shortage of about 20 doctors, the organization of work is adequate and ready for the upcoming summer tourist season, with an increased number of patients in coastal towns. Significant financial investments, including EU funds, have been made for the purchase of new medical equipment and vehicles, as well as for the adaptation of emergency units. The director of the service, Dr. Vuk Niković, emphasizes the importance of emergency medical services as a key link in the healthcare system and highlights the challenges of the reform, including generational change and the need to motivate young people to work in this stressful but humane profession.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the importance of public investment in healthcare infrastructure and the social value of emergency medical services. They highlight the challenges faced by healthcare workers, including staff shortages and the need for better working conditions and motivation for young professionals. The reform is seen as a positive step towards improving public health and ensuring equitable access to urgent care.
Center: Center-leaning coverage focuses on the factual progress of the reform, including financial investments, equipment upgrades, and organizational improvements. It presents the reform as a necessary modernization aligning Montenegro’s emergency services with European standards, emphasizing readiness for the tourist season and the operational challenges such as staff shortages and generational changes.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may stress the efficiency and fiscal responsibility of the reform, highlighting the use of EU funds and the introduction of commercial services for non-insured patients. They may also focus on the importance of maintaining high standards in emergency care to support tourism and economic stability, while acknowledging the challenges of reform and the need for discipline and modernization.
