Healthcare professionals in Montenegro and Croatia address systemic medical challenges

The Medical Chamber of Montenegro has expressed support for pediatricians facing public pressure regarding low childhood vaccination rates. The Chamber stated it is unacceptable to shift responsibility for insufficient vaccination coverage onto pediatricians or to question their professional integrity. They emphasized that vaccination decisions must be based on scientific evidence and that improving immunization requires systemic support, including sufficient medical staff and better public information.

In Croatia, the Association of Employers in Healthcare (UPUZ) has raised concerns regarding mandatory medical examinations for child athletes. The association argues that these examinations should not become a financial burden on parents due to insufficient capacity in the public health system. UPUZ suggested that instead of forcing parents to pay for private examinations, the system should utilize existing capacities, such as school medicine specialists and pediatricians, to ensure accessibility for all families.