In order to solve the chronic problem of excessively long waits for ultrasound examinations at the Podgorica Health Center, the plan is to introduce a trial ultrasound - a basic, triage examination that would, with prior training, be performed by family medicine physicians.
The first training for seven selected doctors is planned for September this year, and the implementation of the pilot project is expected next year, if the state supports the initiative and provides the necessary equipment, said Dr. Natalija Petrić Popović, assistant director of the Podgorica Health Center, in the "Colors of the Morning" program on TV Vijesti.
"These are small, portable ultrasound devices, which are technically simple and financially affordable, and could significantly relieve radiologists. With the help of this device, family medicine doctors could perform basic diagnostics on a patient during their first examination, which would reduce the number of referrals to the radiology department and speed up the process of providing health care," she pointed out.
Construction estimates are underway for the opening of a new radiology station at the health facility in Tološi, where another X-ray machine would be installed.
"This would increase capacities and enable better accessibility of services to the citizens of that part of the city. In the long term, significant relief is also expected from the new Health Center in the City Quarter, whose construction is nearing completion and is planned to open by the end of the year," said Dr. Petrić Popović.
Due to limited staffing and technical capacity, appointments for non-priority patients can be scheduled up to a year and a half in advance – currently, appointments are available for February and March 2026. However, priority categories of patients, such as oncology patients, pregnant women, people with scheduled surgeries or emergencies, receive appointments within a few days to a maximum of two to three weeks.
On a daily basis, depending on the available staff, between 50 and 130 examinations are performed at the Health Center.
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