Dijana K. (33), hailing from Mojkovac, endured severe injuries from a traffic accident on December 25, 2024. She sustained a critical spinal injury and a fractured thoracic vertebra that led to complete paralysis of her lower body. When she arrived at the rehabilitation center, she was in a wheelchair. After two and a half months of rigorous therapy, alongside her wheelchair, she now has crutches and a walker by her bedside.

“Yes, I’m up from the wheelchair, I can walk, and I use crutches and a walker. This isn’t just my achievement; it represents the success of everyone around me. They worked tirelessly to help me improve. Their dedication is remarkable. Without each one of them, my progress wouldn’t have been possible,” Dijana shares while resting in bed at the Department of the Institute for the Immobile and People with Disabilities after a challenging morning workout.

Dijana’s inspiring story, shared with “Vijesti,” reflects the commitment of the staff at the Dr. Simo Milošević Institute in Igalo, particularly the physiotherapists, as they serve several hundred patients currently in treatment.

Rasim Softić (63) from Podgorica, undergoing rehabilitation for stroke recovery at the Institute, resonates with Dijana’s experience…

“Thank goodness for institutions like this. Igalo is truly revitalizing,” he expresses while seated in the lobby by the reception. He mentions that he’s only been in Igalo for 10 days but already feels significantly better.

“Words cannot convey my appreciation; these individuals are phenomenal—true professionals, from the support staff to the doctors, always kind and supportive. With such awesome people around, one can only anticipate positive outcomes,” Softić says…

The famous door is closed.

Slađa, a long-time physiotherapist at the Institute, specializes in kinesitherapy.

“My passion for this job fuels my positive energy. Witnessing patients improve after their sessions is what drives us. Helping people is the essence of our work,” Slađa notes. She is part of a dedicated team of around 200 physiotherapists at Montenegro’s only multidisciplinary spa facility, one of the largest in the Balkans.

She greets each patient with a hopeful smile, just like her colleagues, Mira, Dijana, and Nataša…

The first phase of the Institute, which put Igalo on the map as a prominent rehabilitation center, has now closed.

Currently, over 500 patients are benefiting from Phase II, which has enhanced and elevated service quality.

The facility, set in a stunning location with views of the Bay of Kotor, began operations in 1987.

Nestled on Đurđevo brdo, away from public scrutiny, the Institute dedicates itself to its patients’ well-being. Generations of physiotherapists have tirelessly contributed to the Institute’s legacy, earning a commendable reputation over decades. They treat with expertise and compassion, embodying the true and quiet heroes of a society often overlooked…

With 475 staff members, of which 438 are permanent and 37 temporary, the Igalo Institute stands as one of Montenegro’s largest collectives. Dr. Biljana Ribar, president of the union, highlighted that the Institute is currently awaiting promised funds for a restructuring plan.

“At present, most occupants are local guests, primarily those accessing care through the Health Fund of Montenegro. Preparations are underway for the upcoming summer season, bringing expectations of patients from both the region and further afield. As in previous years, Phase I of the Institute will reopen on June 1, though it will initially function as accommodation due to staffing shortages,” Ribar articulated in her interview with “Vijesti”.

The problem and the shortage of labor

She indicated that, like the rest of the country, the Institute faces a manpower shortage.

“Nevertheless, equipped with around 200 physiotherapists, both mid and senior level, alongside 19 specialists in applied physiotherapy and 18 doctors, predominantly in physical and rehabilitation medicine as well as other specialties, the Institute can deliver high-quality medical services, which remain its focal point,” Ribar clarified.

She underscored that the Restructuring Plan aims to bolster investment in human resources.

“We are optimistic about new educational and professional training avenues to ensure the best possible services for all our patients and guests. We anticipate investments in equipment, including new devices and uniforms for staff, alongside infrastructure upgrades,” Ribar remarked.

She emphasized the importance of considering an internal housing policy to attract young, quality staff and help them envision a future within the institution.

“I’m confident that the current management, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Zoran Kovačević, alongside the Government, has demonstrated understanding and resolve to address the challenges facing the Institute. Employee conditions have markedly improved, with regular salary disbursements and ongoing efforts to tackle other present dilemmas. There’s a clear future vision for the Institute’s role in advancing health tourism, with Igalo being the sole spa in Montenegro leading this charge,” Ribar highlighted.

As part of its union activities, the Igalo Institute Union robustly advocates for the initiative from the Union of Free Trade Unions of Montenegro regarding the allocation of state-owned apartments and the preservation of economic entities critical to national interests in state ownership.

Physiotherapist Nataša Matković affirmed that conditions at the Institute have seen notable enhancements compared to two years prior.

“Salaries are now consistently paid, and we anticipate this trend to persist,” she informed “Vijesti”.

There is consensus on the urgent need for acquiring essential physiotherapy equipment swiftly.

“Investment must encompass not only facilities but also knowledge, personnel, and modern treatment modalities that incorporate advanced physiotherapy equipment,” Matković insisted.

She noted that employees have not received contributions for four years, raising retirement issues.

“The silver lining is that after five years, the Institute achieved a positive outcome for the first time last year, and we hope to eliminate the need for salary deductions due to unprofitability,” she remarked.

Despite the challenges, she, along with her colleagues, has managed to maintain a positive atmosphere even through trying times.

“Our love for our work is stronger than any obstacle. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ after a successful therapy session is often our greatest reward,” Matković concluded.

The daily operations at the Institute are vibrant, starting early in the morning and maintaining a continual rhythm throughout the day. With physiotherapists diligently attending to their duties, patients rushing to appointments, receptionists welcoming and bidding farewell, maids attending to cleaning, nurses and doctors consulting, and restaurant staff serving in the dining areas, the Institute buzzes with life…

When Scandinavia sang

The Institute was once a popular destination for foreign visitors, particularly Norwegians, reminiscent of the “Norwegian Street” across from the old Institute building. They frequently returned to the facility, creating lasting memories. Within the new Institute, Norwegians had a dedicated room on the fourth floor, complete with a restaurant and aperitif bar where they would congregate.

The last group of foreign visitors, including Norwegians, Swedes, and Dutch, stayed three years ago.

On the dining level, live music echoed three times a week, transforming the atmosphere of the aperitif bar, which used to welcome guests until late into the evening with music, singing, and dancing…

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