Investing in healthcare is an investment in citizens’ quality of life

Improving access to medicines and healthcare, the importance of prevention, and the digitalisation of healthcare were the focus of a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister for Health and Social Welfare Jelena Borovinić Bojović and representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham Montenegro).

Representatives of AmCham congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister on her new position and expressed their satisfaction with the continuation of cooperation, which during her tenure as Minister of Health was characterised by open communication and concrete results. Borovinić Bojović highlighted AmCham’s invaluable contribution to improving the healthcare system and enhancing procedures that enable its effective international integration. She also welcomed the resumption of dialogue, noting her positive experience of cooperation with the Chamber and the importance of its contribution to connecting institutions and the business community in efforts to improve the healthcare system.

Borovinić Bojović announced the continuation of meetings with stakeholders in the healthcare system, with a particular focus on expanding screening programmes, especially for breast and lung cancer, as well as improving regulations concerning oncology patients.

In the period ahead, we plan to further improve the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services, and in this regard, I expect the most from digitalisation, which is one of our priorities, Borovinić Bojović said, recalling the establishment of the Directorate for Digital Health in 2021 and expressing satisfaction with the progress made in this area by the current Government.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the prospects of the healthcare system and future cooperation, with particular focus on healthcare digitalisation, the serialisation and verification of medicines, as well as sustainable financing of innovative medicines and modern therapies.

In an open and substantive discussion, the participants presented the multi-year cooperation between AmCham’s Health Committee and IQVIA in preparing a study comparing access to modern therapies in Montenegro and selected countries. The study provides a basis for monitoring progress, identifying patients’ needs and planning healthcare priorities based on data. A new edition is planned by the end of the year, and the Deputy Prime Minister expressed particular interest in its findings and recommendations.

The interlocutors agreed that investment in healthcare should be viewed as an investment in the health and quality of life of citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that this approach is at the core of her role in the Government, with a strong focus on prevention and screening programmes, access to medicines and ensuring the best possible care for patients.

For her part, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the engagement of member companies in preparations for fulfilling the obligations arising from Montenegro’s EU accession process, including activities related to establishing a medicines verification system.

The meeting confirmed a shared commitment to a more accessible, efficient and sustainable healthcare system. The meeting was attended on behalf of AmCham Montenegro by Sanja Ćalasan, President of the Board of Directors; Marko Miročević, Executive Director; Ana Marija Simonović, Policy Manager; Radmila Bajić-Sekulić, President of the Health Committee; and Jelena Milošević-Sekulić, Vice-President of the Committee.