Ultrasound appointments at the Podgorica Health Center are scheduled until September, X-rays are scheduled for June.

Currently, ultrasound appointments at the Podgorica Health Center are scheduled until September, while X-ray appointments are scheduled for June. However, priority patients – oncology patients, newly discovered cancers, preoperative preparations and emergencies – do not wait for appointments. This was stated by the director, Dr. Dragana Perović-Durković, on TV Vijesti's Boje jutra.

"We have around 100 requests for ultrasound diagnostics every day, which poses a major challenge for our radiologists. Analyses have shown that between 30 and 50% of patients do not come to their scheduled examination, and do not cancel their appointment, which makes efficient planning difficult," emphasized Director Perović-Durković.

To address this issue, a strategy has been introduced to call patients via the Call Center to confirm their appointments. Those who do not confirm their arrival will be moved to later appointments, while earlier appointments will be made available to other patients.

Spatial and staffing challenges in the radiology department

The Radiological Diagnostic Center faces space limitations, although it has three ultrasound machines at the Health Center at the Old Airport, and one each in Zeta and Block 5. With six full-time radiologists and four consultants, including those who only perform mammography, the working capacity is maximally utilized.

"Despite additional clinics and overtime, waiting lists are a reality due to the large number of patients. Our goal is to reduce waiting times through optimization of appointments and better planning," added Perović-Durković.

Specialist examinations and availability of appointments at the Clinical Center

When it comes to scheduling specialist appointments at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, the director states that appointments for an endocrinologist are available for July, for a rheumatologist for February, while there are currently no available appointments for gastroenterology and colonoscopy. The situation is changing from day to day, but patients often encounter long waiting lists.

Contract renewal in the field of Occupational Medicine

One of the significant achievements of the management is the renewal of contracts with large companies in the field of occupational health, including Airports of Montenegro, Railways, Monte Cargo, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and other institutions.

"We have restored trust in our occupational medicine and ensured the financial stability of the institution. At the end of 2023, we were in the red, while now we have stable own funds," the director emphasized.

Staffing situation and plans for specializations

In the area of ​​pediatrics, the Health Center managed to register 5.600 patients out of a total of 8.000 deregistered due to changes in the system. Also, new young doctors have been hired, and there are plans to expand the capacity in Block 5.

"We have announced three specializations in pediatrics, and specializations in internal medicine, pulmonology, gynecology, and family medicine are also planned. In this way, we are responding to the growing needs of the population, including the large influx of citizens to Podgorica," she explained.

Call center – a new step towards improving communication

The introduction of the Call Center aims to improve communication between patients and medical staff, which will enable faster and more efficient resolution of problems with scheduling appointments and obtaining information.

"It is important to us that patients are satisfied and have the ability to quickly contact their chosen doctors. We also actively listen to patient feedback through the work of patient advocates in order to improve the quality of services," concluded Director Perović-Durković.