Oncology patients could use public transportation in Podgorica for free by the end of the month, if councilors in the capital's Assembly agree to the proposal.
This right has already been available to people with disabilities, pensioners, citizens over 67 years of age and social assistance beneficiaries since this summer, based on the Decision on Providing Free Urban and Suburban Transport for Vulnerable Categories of the Population.
According to the Proposal for Amendments to that document, in the implementation of the existing decision on public transport for vulnerable categories in the territory of Podgorica, "a need has been identified for its amendment."
"... As well as by specifying certain provisions, with the aim of covering a larger number of beneficiaries and more efficiently implementing the procedure for exercising the right to free transport. The proposed amendments expand the circle of beneficiaries of the right to free transport by including oncology patients, as a category of the population that needs to be provided with easier access to health services," reads the proposal, which councilors will decide on next week.
Thus, the document states, oncology patients could exercise their right to free public transportation by submitting a photocopy of their ID card, with the original available for inspection.
"By submitting a confirmation/report from the attending oncologist that the patient is being treated or is coming for regular check-ups. By a certificate of residence or a certificate of permanent residence in the territory of the Capital City," it states.
People with disabilities (PDs), pensioners over the age of 67, as well as those in social need, can apply for free use of public transport in the capital as of this summer.
The Amendment Proposal also specifies the procedure for issuing a driving license, as well as the role of the chief administrator in cases where compliance with the conditions is subsequently determined.
"It is stipulated that users, upon each issuance of a transport document, submit identical documentation, as when issuing the first one, in order to ensure the up-to-dateness and accuracy of the data... The adoption of this decision does not create new financial obligations for the budget of the Capital City, because its implementation is carried out within the framework of existing contractual relations with carriers and planned funds for subsidizing scheduled transport," it states.
If the procedure determines that vulnerable categories do not exercise the right to be issued a driving license, it says, they can contact the chief administrator for a decision.
"If the Chief Administrator determines in the subsequent procedure that the conditions have been met, he/she shall give consent for the issuance of a driving license for the persons referred to in Article 1 of this decision, or if he/she determines that the conditions have not been met, he/she shall issue an appropriate decision rejecting the request."
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