Serbian doctors demand resignations of healthcare directors

Physicians in Serbia are calling for the immediate resignation of directors at various healthcare institutions, including hospitals, health centers, and institutes. The initiative, led by internist Dejan Hristov, a member of the Serbian Medical Chamber, alleges that many directors have been serving in acting capacities (v. d. status) for years, violating the Law on Healthcare which limits such roles to a maximum of six months.

Hristov claims that the previous administration used this legal loophole to maintain control over healthcare leaders, keeping them in positions where they could be easily dismissed. He further alleges that these directors, many of whom are affiliated with former ruling parties, have used their positions to pressure employees into political activities and have misused institutional resources.

Following the electoral victory of the Studentska Lista, medical professionals are calling for a transition toward a system based on expertise rather than political loyalty. While some experts, such as cardiologist Dr. Vladimir Zdravković, suggest that directors currently in illegal positions are unlikely to resign voluntarily, there is an expectation that the new administration will implement mandatory public competitions for all leadership roles to ensure legal compliance.