In the year after it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, inspectors of the Health and Sanitary Inspection conducted a total of 8.928 inspections, during which 4.150 irregularities were identified.
The Ministry of Health announced that 3.991 misdemeanor orders were issued, based on which fines totaling around 1,6 million euros were imposed.
The department said that these results clearly confirm the institutions' determination to ensure a high level of health protection for the population and consistent implementation of current regulations.
The number of identified irregularities, as stated, indicates the need for continuous and strong inspection supervision, but also the necessity of further improving the awareness of supervised entities about their responsibility in the field of public health protection.
"The issuance of misdemeanor warrants clearly emphasizes the responsibility of all entities that violate regulations in the field of health protection," the Ministry said in a statement.
It is added that 161 requests for initiating misdemeanor proceedings were submitted during the year, which confirms that special focus is placed on institutional sanctioning of the most serious forms of violations of regulations, with the aim of long-term deterrence from irresponsible behavior.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that the Health and Sanitary Inspection will continue with increased supervision, especially in areas of greatest importance for the health of citizens, with further professionalization of work and stronger coordination with other competent authorities.
At the same time, the Ministry called on all supervised entities to consistently comply with applicable regulations and recommendations, as timely elimination of irregularities is one of the key prerequisites for preserving the health of the population and preventing risks to public health.
The Health and Sanitary Inspection, in cooperation with other inspection services, has also begun increased surveillance during the winter tourist season, when the health risk is increased due to more intensive activities and a larger number of service users.
"Continuous control, clear accountability and consistent application of the law remain the foundation of the public health protection system. The state will not deviate from its zero-tolerance policy towards violations of regulations, because the health of citizens is the highest public interest," the Ministry of Health concluded in a statement.
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