Medical Chamber Commission on Peruničić: Behavior that seriously undermines public trust in the healthcare system

The behavior of cardiologist Vladimir Peruničić is not only contrary to the professional code of ethics and the Constitution of Montenegro, but also represents a violation of international obligations undertaken by ratifying Council of Europe conventions, as well as recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Commission for Ethical Issues and Deontology of the Medical Chamber of Montenegro announced.

Peruničić was fined a maximum of 1.000 euros with the mandatory security measure of mandatory treatment for alcoholism in freedom and in outpatient conditions. This was decided by the Podgorica Misdemeanor Court, after Gradska TV journalist Magdalena Čelanović reported him for insults, threats and harassment.

The commission concluded that such behavior is not acceptable in the medical profession and that it seriously undermines public trust in the healthcare system.

"The unethical behavior of an individual doctor does not reflect the views and values ​​of the entire medical profession, and incidents like this must be strongly condemned and serve as a reminder of the necessity of applying the highest ethical standards at all times," the Medical Chamber said.

The Commission recommended:

• Initiation of proceedings to determine the liability of a member of the Medical Chamber based on violation of the articles of the Code of Medical Ethics and Deontology and other mentioned acts before the Court of the Medical Chamber.
• The Clinical Center of Montenegro, to implement all available mechanisms for determining ethical and professional responsibility in relation to the employee, with the aim of determining professional ability to perform work in the institution and preserving the reputation of the institution, but also preventing future unethical and unprofessional behavior.
• Introducing mandatory training on professional and ethical communication for all members of the medical chamber.
• Provide full support to the victim, including counseling and professional support, with the aim of empowering and protecting rights.

The statement also states that the Commission has determined that Peruničić's behavior violated a number of ethical and legal norms, from the principles of respect for human dignity and non-discrimination, to the obligation to refrain from abuse and harassment, to the right to freedom of expression and protection from violence.

"His actions, as established, are contrary to the Code of Medical Ethics and Deontology, the United Nations Universal Declarations of Human Rights, the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the Convention on Human Rights, as well as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. The Commission notes that the described behavior - insulting, threatening and sending indecent and sexist messages to female journalists of City Television - violated the provisions of the aforementioned ethical and legal standards," the statement reads.