Physicians call for urgent emergency medicine reforms

The Croatian Association of Hospital Physicians has outlined a series of urgent reforms needed to ensure the proper functioning of emergency medicine.

The association warns that the healthcare system is struggling with chronic staff shortages, heavy workloads, and conditions that put both patients and medical personnel at risk.

Ivana Šmit, President of the Association, recently observed the difficult conditions in which emergency services operate.

"At one point, I counted six or seven ambulances waiting outside the University Hospital Centre in Zagreb to deliver patients to the emergency admissions area," Šmit said. "This situation speaks volumes about the chaotic system in which we operate and underscores the urgent need for fundamental reform."

In response, the Ministry of Health said: "Through amendments to the Ordinance on the Provision of Emergency Medical Services, we aim to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals and enhance the quality of emergency medical care nationwide. We would like to emphasize that the Ministry values the input and contributions of professional associations, organizations, and societies; their proposals will be carefully considered within the Working Group."