05.07.2021.
The Military Health System Strengthened by 72 Employees
The Military Health System has been strengthened by 72 newly employed medical workers to whom Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojša Stefanović PhD handed Decisions on the commencement of permanent employment at the celebration held at the Military Medical Academy today. Congratulating them on the permanent employment Stefanović underlined that in their future work they must never forget how much confidence the citizens have in the military health system.
- There are doctors here, and dentists, medical nurses, technicians, and personnel who will worl on other jobs that are as much important for the functioning of the healthcare system. You are all equally important to this system, for this country, and you are important to our citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown not only how significant the healthcare system is and that it is strong, steadfast, resilient, flexible and capable of adapt to the challenges, but it has also showed the importance of talking to each patient and paying attention to him – Minister Stefanović stressed.
He added that he had talked to people who had worked in the red zone and with those who had worked with non-Covid patients, who had undertaken the huge burden in the previous period.
- It has been a tough challenge, and it still is, but the vaccination process has given significant results in the suppression of the outbreak. At this moment, some 75-76% people within our system have been vaccinated, and I talked to my colleagues from the healthcare and I want this percentage in the Ministry of Defence to be even 90%, because that is how we show our responsibility. You have all seen that new strains of the virus keep appearing and we have to show our responsibility because of the citizens since our job is a military one as well. Our job is to be ready and to put ourselves at disposal and defend our fatherland whenever the fatherland demands it from us. That is why we do not have the privilege of being able to choose whether we will be at service or not, and that is why the vaccination in the system of defence is of paramount importance – the minister of defence stressed.
To the new colleagues who have started their permanent employment today, Minister Stefanović sent a message never to forget how great confidence the citizens have in the military health system.
- That is why I ask from you to always be there for your patients, not only in medical terms but to be there for them as humans. You should try to understand both their fears and everything that hurts and disturbs them, because, very often, a kind word, and that human contact is the first, key step towards a full recovery. That usually means a lot to the people on their path to recuperation. A kind word and a smile cost nothing, and yet they mean a lot to the patients - Minister Stefanović underlined.
Minister Stefanović congratulated to all those who started their employment in the military health system, but he also thanked them for having chosen this profession which he considers to be much more than a profession.
- This is much more than a profession. I wish to thank you for having opted for military healthcare in particular. The military health system is immensely important in our system of the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces and there is also one thing of invaluable importance. As you know, the military has never hidden when the times were tough. It has always stood with its people and it always proudly bore the name of Serbia. That is what I expect from you as well - Stefanović stressed.
- Our Nevena Jovanović, Captain First Class form “Cobras”, wins a gold medal each week. Yesterday as well she won one of the gold medals in a race. Why do I mention this? You will run some other races, but do not doubt that we expect the same from your – only the first place. Firstly, because you hold people’s lives in your hands, and the health of our armed forces, and the wellbeing of our citizens. Secondly, because we are the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces and we do not recognise the second place - Stefanović underlined.
Head of the Military Medical Academy Colonel Miroslav Vukosavljević MD, welcomed the new colleagues into the system of military healthcare saying that throughout more than 180 years long history, all military “medical personnel” had always been expected to give their best and utmost.
- The great confidence of citizens in military medical personnel has been gained for generations particularly in the most difficult years. That long-standing tradition obliges every single one of us, not only to be better than our predecessors, but to be the best in the calling that we have chosen. We, and from this moment you as well, are expected to show a great zeal, perseverance, dedication, competence. These are the fundamental guidelines and good foundation for a successful career in the military healthcare system – Colonel Vukosavljević pointed out and added that the employees would in return get an opportunity to make further progress in their career on the basis of the results achieved and personal ambitions, to advance themselves and enjoy stability, which is in these times very much important.
Violeta Arsenović, a nurse, points out that her contract for permanent employment at the Military Medical Academy represents a great turning point in her life.
- This is an opportunity for me to work in a big collective, which is something that I do not have experience with. It is a new challenge in my life, so I am very much looking forward to a new beginning - Violeta Arsenović stated.
A maxillofacial surgeon Uroš Marijanović, is another medical worker who got the job at the Military Medical Academy.
- This is a great honour for me because I was educated here and because my mentors recognised quality in me and expressed their initiative to keep me here. However, I feel great responsibility to live up to their expectations - Marijanović said.
Starting on this day, Biljana Stevanović Peruničić has got a contract for permanent employment in the Central Pharmacy, who does not hide her satisfaction, having in mind that this contract came after four years of work on temporary positions within the military health system.
- This means a lot to me. Taking into consideration that I have been working for four years on temporary jobs, I am rather familiar with the system of work in the Ministry of Defence, but it is normal that there are always new challenges. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues – Biljana Stevanović Peruničić stated.
The greatest number of the employees who received their contracts come from medical profession. They will be assigned to the Military Medical Academy, Military Hospital Novi Sad, Central Pharmacy and the Centre of Veterinary Service.
