Corruption within the Montenegrin healthcare system poses a serious threat to the nation’s health and undermines fundamental human rights, as stated by President Jakov Milatovic on Monday.

During a forum on healthcare corruption hosted by BIRN Montenegro and the NGO Civic Alliance in Podgorica, Milatovic emphasized that healthcare should serve as a cornerstone of social equality.

“Regrettably, many citizens have experienced corrupt practices in healthcare, ranging from bribery for expedited or enhanced treatment to significant irregularities in the public procurement of medical supplies and medications, which amount to millions of euros,” Milatovic remarked.

He identified corruption in the healthcare system as the core issue hindering citizens from receiving adequate medical care.

The European Commission, in its recent Progress Report, noted that numerous public opinion surveys and reports from civil society groups pointed out widespread dissatisfaction among citizens regarding the healthcare system, with corruption being cited as a major concern.

Milatovic described the findings from public opinion surveys as troubling.

“According to data from last year’s surveys, nearly 60% of citizens believe that corruption is either present or prevalent in our healthcare system, with most expressing skepticism regarding the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in this sector. These findings are not new; they have characterized the healthcare landscape for over a decade,” Milatovic added.

He emphasized the necessity of punishing healthcare corruption, stating, “Corrupt practices need to be legally addressed, which has not always happened thus far. Although our legislation outlines penalties for bribery, such cases remain largely unprosecuted, and we lack judicial outcomes that address these behaviors,” Milatovic elaborated.

BIRN Montenegro’s Executive Director Vuk Maras characterized the lack of transparency in public procurement as another significant issue plaguing the healthcare sector.

“Currently, there are zero resolved corruption cases in Montenegro’s healthcare,” Maras pointed out.