Bosnia and Herzegovina: Healthcare reforms and presidency polls

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, political parties are facing increased scrutiny regarding healthcare reforms ahead of upcoming elections. The patient advocacy initiative ‘Glasaj za život’ has launched a campaign titled ‘PITAJ. TRAŽI ODGOVOR.’ to demand concrete plans from political actors. Several parties, including HKDU BiH, HDZ BiH, Naša stranka, BHD, Stranka za Bosnu i Hercegovinu, Narod i Pravda, Demokratska fronta, SDA, and SDP BiH, have provided responses regarding their intended measures for the first two years of their mandates.

HKDU BiH has prioritized reducing waiting lists, strengthening primary healthcare, and digitalization, specifically proposing electronic health cards and e-prescriptions. HDZ BiH has committed to revising the FBiH Solidarity Fund medicine list and improving the healthcare system. Key issues remaining for voters include fund distribution, data transparency, medicine procurement, and regional disparities in patient rights.

Simultaneously, a public opinion poll conducted by DEPO Portal regarding the election for the Bosniak member of the Presidency shows Denis Bećirović leading with 47.4% of the vote. His opponents are divided, with Bakir Izetbegović at 20.9%, Semir Efendić at 20.6%, and Fahrudin Radončić at 11.1%. The poll, which included 3,678 participants, highlights a significant lead for Bećirović against a fragmented right-wing political spectrum.