Healthcare is not just a service, but a pillar of development

The message that a modern healthcare system is not just a service for providing services, but one of the pillars of sustainable development and a key factor in the long-term stability of a country, was conveyed today at the 2nd International Conference on the Digital Transformation of Healthcare, held in Podgorica and organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham Montenegro).

AmCham announced that the conference brought together numerous domestic and foreign experts, decision-makers, representatives of healthcare institutions, as well as international organizations and the business community, with the aim of opening a dialogue on the reform and improvement of the Montenegrin healthcare system in line with European practices and contemporary challenges.

The conference was opened by Sanja Ćalasan, President of the AmCham Board of Directors, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and knowledge exchange in shaping modern health policies.

"At the American Chamber of Commerce, our mission has always been to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, promote innovation, and support reforms that contribute to economic and social progress. Nowhere is that mission more important than in healthcare, a sector that not only safeguards our well-being but also drives long-term economic growth. Our Health Committee, one of the most active within AmCham, is at the forefront when it comes to advocating for policies that bring innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to Montenegro's healthcare system," said Ćalasan.

She added that through this committee, they are constantly building a platform where experts, institutions, and companies can exchange ideas and work together to build better solutions for citizens.

"I sincerely believe that today's discussions will inspire us to think strategically about healthcare, not only as a social priority, but also as a key driver of innovation and sustainable economic development," said Ćalasan.

During the conference, key thematic areas such as the digital transformation of healthcare services, integrated care models, the availability of modern therapies, and the use of health data in public policymaking were addressed.

The conference participants were also addressed by prominent international experts: Dr. Thomas Hofmarcher from the Swedish Institute for Health Economics, Dr. Luka Vončina, independent consultant to the World Bank, Prof. Dr. Vesna Zadnik from Slovenia, Dr. Terje Peetso from Estonia, Dr. Tan Clive from Singapore, Troels Bierman Mortensen from Denmark, and Dragana Janinović, Director General of the Directorate for Digital Health of the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.

"The event also presented the results of a new study conducted by IQVIA, a global leader in health data and research. According to this analysis, the limited availability of modern therapies continues to pose a challenge for the Montenegrin healthcare system, indicating the need for systemic improvements in the area of ​​public financing and reimbursement policy. The current model does not provide adequate access to innovative therapies for patients," they said in a statement.

They state that positive economic trends and projected growth create a real opportunity for strategic strengthening of the health sector and that alignment with modern European practices, along with increased public investment and more efficient allocation of funds, represents a step towards a sustainable system and better health outcomes for all citizens.

One part of the conference was dedicated to a panel discussion with representatives of key health institutions, who analyzed Montenegro's current position on the path of healthcare digitalization, identified challenges and provided specific recommendations for future reform steps: Dr. Jovana Novaković, Director General of the Directorate for Pharmacology, Precursors and Cosmetic Products, Ministry of Health, Bojan Paunović, Director of the Directorate for the State Budget, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Vuk Kadić, Director of the Health Insurance Fund, Dr. Đorđe Krnjević, Medical Director of the Clinical Center of Montenegro and Dr. Adrijana Vujović, Director of the Center for Control and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Institute of Public Health of Montenegro.

"The conference once again showed that synergy between the public and private sectors can offer concrete solutions to the complex challenges of modern healthcare. Additionally, by organizing such events, AmCham has once again confirmed its role as a platform for promoting responsible, sustainable and innovative healthcare policies," the statement concluded.