In order to reduce the number of missed examinations, the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG) has introduced an SMS patient notification service.
Guesting on Boje jutra on Vijesti Television, Dr. Aleksandar Radović said that patients now receive a reminder via SMS seven days before the examination, and three days before the appointment they will be able to confirm or cancel the scheduled examination.
He added that out of 8.200 SMS messages sent, only 3.400 examinations were carried out, which indicates the need for further improvement of the system and greater social responsibility of patients.
"Between 30% and 40% of patients do not take advantage of their scheduled appointment, which slows down the system and lengthens waiting lists," Radović points out.
Waiting lists – a problem for the entire healthcare system
Commenting on the problem of long waiting lists, Radović emphasized that they exist in all European countries and are inevitable.
"We opened appointments for six months, but they were filled immediately. In Europe, there is no limit on the length of the waiting list, so it happens that appointments are scheduled for 2026," said the director of KCCG.
Transplants and plans for the future
In addition to improving the appointment scheduling system, KCCG has also achieved significant successes in the field of transplantation. The first stem cell transplant was successfully performed in Montenegro, and two more are planned in the next 10 to 15 days. Also, kidney transplantation from a living donor has been restarted after a pause caused by the pandemic, and there are currently 62 patients on the waiting list for this procedure.
Emergency Center – Challenges and Plans for Improvement
Speaking about the problems facing the KCCG Emergency Center, Radović admitted that the 200 square meter space is insufficient for the volume of work being done.
"Around 5.000 patients are examined at the Emergency Center every month, and twice as many people come with escorts, which further burdens the space," he said.
In order to improve organization, it is planned to build a waiting room in front of the Emergency Center, which will allow filtering of patients according to the urgency of their condition.
"We expect the waiting room to be built during 2025," announced Radović.
Finally, the director of KCCG emphasized that the system is constantly being improved and that all these steps are aimed at increasing the efficiency and quality of healthcare for the citizens of Montenegro.
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