A press conference was held at the University Clinical Center Tuzla to present newly acquired medical equipment, co-financed by the Government of Tuzla Canton, along with upcoming investment plans. The event was attended by the Director of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, Tuzla Canton Prime Minister Irfan Halilagić, Health Minister Dr. Dušanka Bećirović, Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment Protection Anela Ajšić, and Tuzla Canton Assembly representative Sandra Imširović.
In his address, Director, Prof. Dr. Šekib Umihanić, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Irfan Halilagić and the relevant ministers of the Government of Tuzla Canton for recognizing the needs of the University Clinical Center Tuzla and providing their support.
“In the Tuzla Canton budget, financial resources were allocated for the purchase of equipment, which was prioritized based on our institution’s needs. It was determined that approximately 80% of the existing equipment had depreciated and needed to be replaced with more modern and reliable alternatives. In 2024, thanks to the financial support of the Tuzla Canton Government, medical equipment worth 7,265,848.14 KM was acquired, laying the groundwork for introducing advanced diagnostic procedures and new surgical methods. An additional two million convertible marks are in the process of finalizing contracts, meaning the full allocation of 10 million KM will be utilized. Over the next six months, we expect the installation of a new linear accelerator, CT simulator, radiotherapy planning system, and a phantom, valued at 8,499,008.00 KM, for which we signed a procurement contract with the supplier last week,” said Director Umihanić.
During the presentation, the Director, Prof. Dr. Umihanić, outlined future plans, which include not only the procurement of medical equipment but also the implementation of various projects focused on the adaptation and reconstruction of facilities within the University Clinical Center Tuzla. According to him, the adaptation and reconstruction of the Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry are in their final stages, while extensive works are underway on the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic and the Clinic for Ear, Throat, Nose, and Head and Neck Surgery.
As Director Umihanić highlighted, an energy efficiency project was implemented in 2024, which included upgrading the heating system for the Clinic for Internal Mrdicine. In conjunction with this, numerous adaptations and reconstructions were carried out across all clinics. Looking ahead, the plan for 2025 includes extending the heating system to the Infectious Diseases Clinic and constructing a liquefied natural gas station to support the boiler room of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, where the necessary technical prerequisites are in place.
The Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton, Irfan Halilagić, addressed the attendees, congratulating Director Umihanić and the management of University Clinical Center Tuzla for their transparency in the procurement process. “Unfortunately, public procurement and tender procedures are often very complicated. We see this reflected in these procurement, where out of the approved 10 million KM, around 7.5 million KM has been realized. However, I must emphasize how pleased I am that this financial injection—the largest since the Blue Hospital—was successfully implemented. This is a significant achievement.
The Government of Tuzla Canton will continue to be a key partner in supporting Clinical Center Tuzla as it rises and reclaims its rightful position. It is crucial that we maintain political stability, along with an administration that shares a vision for progress and has the will and determination to move things forward. Alongside the Campus and the Tuzla Canton Government building, this project demonstrates our ability to initiate and complete large-scale ventures. The plans for Clinical Center Tuzla are ambitious, but not unrealistic. After successfully completing the procurement of the linear accelerator—an obligation we had both morally and professionally—we must now focus our energy on realizing these important future plans,” said Prime Minister Haliagić.
The conference also served as an occasion to present the University Clinical Center Tuzla Acknowledgement to Tuzla Canton Prime Minister Irfan Halilagić, in recognition of the continuous support provided by the Tuzla Canton Government to the University Clinical Center Tuzla.
