The situation in the Kotor Emergency Department further escalated when, due to a lack of staff, a doctor was forced to simultaneously perform the duties of an ambulance driver and a doctor on several occasions, the Municipal Committee of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Kotor announced today.
"The state of society, which is increasingly marked by carelessness, inefficiency and lack of systemic solutions, inevitably reflects on the health system - and thus on the work of the Emergency Medical Service, more precisely the Emergency Service in Kotor. Unfortunately, the situation in this service is becoming increasingly alarming, and the consequences of such negligence are directly felt by both citizens and workers who make superhuman efforts every day to provide the necessary assistance. Emergency Service workers in Kotor have been expressing deep dissatisfaction with the conditions in which they work for a long time," the DPS Kotor statement states.
They added that they have informed the head of the unit in Kotor about this several times, as well as the director of the Emergency Medical Service of Montenegro, Vuk Niković.
"However, despite the appeals of employees and clear indicators of serious problems - no concrete measures have been taken. During just one month, May 2025, workers repeatedly worked day shifts without the presence of a doctor, which directly threatens the health and safety of citizens. The situation further escalated when, due to a shortage of staff, on several occasions a doctor was forced to simultaneously perform the duties of an ambulance driver and a doctor. We ask a logical and extremely worrying question: how is it possible for one person to simultaneously drive a vehicle and provide medical assistance? Is such a way of working safe, humane and professional?", the DPS Kotor statement reads.
The party said that the question that also arises is - do the citizens of Kotor deserve this kind of treatment?
"Should citizens of a tourist and historically significant city worry about whether they will be provided with professional and timely assistance when they need it most? On behalf of all employees who are under enormous professional and personal strain, as well as on behalf of all citizens who need adequate health care, we appeal to the director of the Emergency Medical Service of Montenegro to urgently take concrete steps to resolve the current staffing crisis in the Emergency Service in Kotor. We also call on the Minister of Health of Montenegro to personally and responsibly get involved in resolving this problem, because this is an issue that concerns the fundamental right of every citizen - the right to health care and safety," the DPS Kotor statement reads.
They stated that they were making this appeal not only politically, not only as members of the DPS, but above all as citizens.
"As people whose closest relatives, friends, neighbors - often voters of other political options - are directly threatened by this situation. This appeal is not party-based, but human and is addressed in the interest of all citizens of Kotor, regardless of political affiliation. It is time for those responsible to face reality and take urgent measures. Because health cannot wait," said the representatives of DPS Kotor.
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