November 2025
HEALTHCARE
Our small efforts can change the world
First Lady of the Republic of Serbia
Belarus Opens Its Doors to Serbian Patients for Life-Saving Organ Transplants
Zlatibor Lončar Minister of Health
Healthcare of the Future Begins with Trust and Partnership
Nikola Stojković
Focus on
FEATURED INTERVIEW
Radojević
A closer look at Serbia’s leading private healthcare network
DR SANJA RADOJeVIĆ ŠKODRIĆ
Fund
Dr Sanja Radojević Škodrić, Director of the Republic Health Insurance Fund, speaks about Serbia’s accelerated efforts to expand access to innovative therapies for rare diseases, supported by record state investments and strengthened cooperation with international partners.
How does the National Health Insurance Fund plan to accelerate the evaluation and inclusion of innovative therapies for rare diseases on its drug lists?
Before answering that question, I would like to remind you that over the past few years, we have seen unprecedented progress in the treatment of rare diseases, as reflected in the growing number of people with rare diseases receiving therapy and the increasing number of different diagnoses. All of this has been made possible because the state leadership, with President Aleksandar Vučić at the helm, recognised the need for the state to become involved in the treatment of rare diseases. In line with this position and policy, the budget for rare diseases has been continuously increasing since its establishment in 2013. It has now reached 10.2 billion dinars, which is 78 times more than it was 12 years ago. This budget growth has enabled
an increasing number of people to be treated at the NHIF’s expense, and that number now stands at 930 patients, up from eight initially. Additionally, it should be noted that medicines for rare diseases are among the most expensive in the world, with prices reaching several million euros, such as the medication for spinal muscular atrophy, which is provided in Serbia at the expense of compulsory health insurance. The challenge is not only to secure financial resources for therapy, but also the fact that treatment exists for only five per cent of these diseases. In comparison, for the remaining 95 per cent — which is not a small number of patients — appropriate care must also be ensured. Regarding the procedure through which people with rare diseases receive therapy, medicines are provided from available budget funds based on a decision by the NHIF’s commission for rare diseases, which is composed of the most eminent medical experts. Patients may also be approved for therapy that is not registered in Serbia. In such cases, they do not wait for the medicine to be registered in our country; immediately upon the drug’s registration with the European Medicines Agency or the US Food and Drug Administration, they receive the therapy.Da li razmatrate posebne mehanizme – npr. privremeno uključivanje, pilot programe ili riziko-deljenje sa proizvođačima – kako bi pacijenti dobili pristup dok traje puna procedura evaluacije?
What specific criteria does the Fund use to decide which rare diseases and which therapies are prioritised for coverage (e.g. prevalence, disease severity, costs, quality of life)? Is there a transparent list of candidates that is regularly reviewed and publicly released?
THE BUDGET FOR RARE DISEASES HAS GROWN 78-FOLD, ENABLING THERAPY FOR 930 PATIENTS
As I mentioned, therapy is determined by the NHIF Commission for Rare Diseases, which is composed of the most eminent experts from various fields of medicine who are directly involved in treating rare diseases. For each calendar year, this commission first reviews requests for continuation of therapy for individuals already receiving treatment based on the Commission’s decision. Then it considers all submitted requests for initiating treatment for patients with rare diseases. All decisions are made
solely based on medical documentation and medical criteria, in accordance with the available financial resources. For certain rare diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, all patients identified through mandatory newborn screening as having this condition receive therapy, and all three registered treatments are provided at the NHIF’s expense.
How many patients are currently referred for treatment abroad at the Fund’s expense? What is the time frame from the receipt of the approval request, and what obstacles (budgetary, administrative, cooperation with foreign institutions) does the Fund face in such cases?
The NHIF refers insured individuals for treatment abroad in line with prescribed medical indications when treatment and diagnostics cannot be performed in Serbia, and when medical experts determine that successful treatment or diagnostics is possible in a specialised healthcare institution abroad. The referral procedure is straightforward. First, the expert medical council of the relevant domestic healthcare institution treating the patient must propose the patient’s referral for treatment abroad and submit a request to the Fund along with this proposal. The NHIF then carries out the remaining steps of the referral procedure. The Fund covers the full cost of treatment at the foreign healthcare institution and, if necessary, also approves an accompanying person for the patient, covering transport costs.
Since the beginning of this year, 505 patients have been referred abroad at the NHIF’s expense, including 250 children and 40 adults for treatment, and 215 children for rare-disease diagnostics.
The state is now allocating record levels of funding for treatment abroad, especially for the treatment of children, so we do not face financial challenges when referring an insured person for clinically justified treatment abroad that cannot be performed in Serbia. The challenges are of a different nature and relate to the capacity of foreign hospitals and the speed at which they can accept our insured individuals in urgent cases. The biggest challenge is the impossibility of referring patients for cadaveric transplantations abroad because international transplantation organisations operate on the principle of organ exchange. Since we have had no organs to offer in exchange, foreign clinics refuse to accept patients from Serbia.
How does the Fund, together with the state, plan to cover costly therapies for children with very rare diseases (e.g. “butterfly children”, gene therapies) that cost millions of euros? Is there a reserve fund, international support funds, changes in budget structure, or partnerships with pharmaceutical companies?
Serbia is among the first countries in Europe and the world to secure an expensive gene therapy for “butterfly children” even before the European Medicines Agency registered the medicine. This therapy is not suitable for all types of epidermolysis bullosa, meaning it does not apply to all patients affected by this condition. Currently, eight patients are undergoing treatment with gene therapy for epidermolysis bullosa. The aim is always the highest one — to treat all patients — and this is why we strive to develop a partnershipbased relationship with pharmaceutical companies that hold marketing authorisations for medicines for rare diseases, to achieve the best possible conditions for securing therapy for as many patients as possible.
In what ways does the Fund collaborate with international organisations, research institutions, patient associations, and pharmaceutical companies to reduce therapy costs, increase transparency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of access to medicines for rare diseases?
The Fund’s position is such that we cooperate with everyone, and most closely with patient associations, from whom we receive first-hand information about the challenges they face, as well as their needs and priorities. Representatives of these associations, along with physicians, participate in the work of the Commission for Rare Diseases, and outside of the Commission, we maintain regular communication with them. They are, in fact, the link between the Fund and the patients. The NHIF is continually improving its communication with associations to expand the scope of rights for individuals with rare diseases, encompassing not only medicines but also diagnostics, medical-technical aids, rehabilitation, and other entitlements within the Fund’s remit.
What are the key indicators used by the Fund to measure success in increasing access to innovative therapies and treating rare diseases (e.g. number of patients who received treatment, waiting times, reduction of costs per patient)?
SERBIA IS AMONG THE FIRST COUNTRIES TO SECURE CUTTING-EDGE GENE THERAPIES, EVEN BEFORE EMA APPROVAL
The primary indicator is the budget for rare diseases, which has grown year after year — from 130 million dinars in 2013 to 10.2 billion dinars this year (a 78-fold increase). From this budget, other indicators follow, such as the rising number of patients treated at the state’s expense. Currently, 930 people with rare diseases are receiving treatment funded by the state, whereas 12 years ago, only eight patients were treated. The number of diagnoses for which the state provides medication has increased from two to 40. This constant budget growth not only creates an opportunity for new patients to receive therapy, but also guarantees the continuation of treatment for all those already receiving state-funded therapy.
The budget for rare diseases is not the only source of financing, as rare diseases are also treated through medicines on the drug list and medication outside the list procured by healthcare institutions. As a result, the total funds are significantly higher, amounting to 20 billion dinars last year.
Are the recent global media reports about revolutionary therapeutic breakthroughs in the fight against severe diseases – various cancers, HIV, multiple sclerosis –grounded in truth? Are we on the verge of the long-awaited medical revolution?
We are fortunate that science and technology are advancing rapidly today, and new medicines are emerging almost daily. All this research and these clinical trials represent great hope for patients, especially those suffering from rare diseases. As you know, more than 7,000 different rare diseases have been identified, and only about five per cent of them have an available therapy. However, all of this takes time — the research itself is lengthy, and even once a medicine is finally developed, additional time is needed for its registration, that is, for obtaining authorisation. Our role is to monitor these developments and respond promptly, ensuring that we can secure therapy for those who need it as soon as possible.
NIKOlA STOJKOVIĆ
Shaping a future of healthcare defined by trust, innovation and shared progress
Nikola Stojković, President of Novartis for Serbia and Montenegro, speaks about how modern healthcare is being reshaped by innovation, partnerships and digital transformation. In this interview, he highlights trust, shared responsibility and timely access to advanced therapies as key elements of the healthcare system of the future.
How would you describe Novartis’ position in Serbia and Montenegro today, particularly in the context of cooperation with healthcare institutions and business associations?
Our position in the region is the result of many years of investment in innovation, but also in building trust with all stakeholders in the healthcare system.
Our goal is to ensure that patients in Serbia and Montenegro have access to modern therapies equal to those in the most developed countries. We are focused on making the difference in the areas that carry the greatest burden for society: cardiovascular diseases, oncology, neurology, autoimmune and rare diseases.
INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE IS MEANINGFUL ONLY WHEN PATIENTS FEEL ITS IMPACT IN REAL LIFE
We believe that healthcare is not an expense, but an investment in the future. This is why we invest in partnerships with institutions and professional associations, as well as through our
memberships in industry and trade associations such as Inovia, AmCham, the Swiss Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, where we work together to improve both the healthcare and business environment.
What are Novartis’ key ambitions in Serbia and Montenegro in the coming years?
Our ambition is for the healthcare systems of Serbia and Montenegro to become increasingly open to innovation – not only in terms of medicines, but also new models of treatment, diagnostics and disease monitoring.
We are working to ensure that patients gain timely access to innovative therapies, while also supporting the system in preparing for their implementation. In this process, physicians, health institutions and regulatory bodies are equally important, because only through joint effort can we secure sustainable solutions.
In addition, we are investing strongly in digitalization and the education of healthcare professionals, because a modern healthcare system must be capable of learning, measuring and anticipating – to be predictive, personalized, and patient-centered.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence are increasingly transforming the way medicine is developed and applied. How does Novartis see this transformation in Serbia?
Digitalization is reshaping healthcare at its core – from research and the development of new medicines to everyday patient care. Artificial intelligence accelerates clinical studies and the discovery of new molecules, while also supporting physicians in making more precise decisions. It has the potential to improve the quality of care and the overall efficiency of the system, but it is essential that it is used responsibly, with strong respect for ethical standards and data privacy. For patients, this means faster diagnosis, better disease management and access to more personalized therapies. For the state, it means a more efficient healthcare system, more rational resource planning and long-term savings. Our role is to ensure that these technologies do not remain reserved for large markets, but are adapted to local needs. This is why we collaborate with partners across the healthcare system, in order to build domestic capacity in the field of digital health.
Which innovations would you highlight as examples of successful implementation in Serbia and Montenegro?
We are particularly proud to have supported the introduction of the national screening programme for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – a programme that enables early detection in newborns and timely treatment. This represents a historic breakthrough, as a child treated within the first few weeks of life can achieve almost normal development.
In the field of cardiovascular health, we signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the BIO4 Campus, which lays the groundwork for the development of biomedicine in Serbia. Our role in such projects is not only to provide therapies, but also to share knowledge, technology and experience, with a shared objective – a healthier population in the long term.
In the field of oncology, we are developing digital platforms for collecting and analyzing real-world health data, which help physicians to select the optimal therapy and monitor treatment outcomes.
Through the combination of innovative therapies, genetics and digital technologies, our aim is to support the healthcare system in shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach – one in which disease is identified and prevented rather than treated only once it has developed.
How difficult is it to ensure timely access to innovative therapies for patients in Serbia?
Ensuring access to innovative therapies in Serbia remains a considerable challenge. The processes from a medicine’s approval to its full availability often take time – involving administrative procedures, reimbursement mechanisms, and alignment with budgetary frameworks. However, it is important to note that progress has been made in recent years: an increasing number of innovative medicines have been included on the national reimbursement list, and the dialogue between companies, institutions and regulatory bodies has become more constructive.
Still, we recognize that there is room for further improvement. Our goal is to contribute to the development of predictable and sustainable mechanisms that enable patients to access therapies more quickly, while respecting budgetary constraints and responsible planning. I believe that, through joint effort – from the state, the healthcare system and industry – we can build a system in which patients do not have to wait too long for innovation, but receive treatment at the moment when it matters most.
In addition to medicine, Novartis is also known for its commitment to social responsibility. How do you contribute to the community?
Social responsibility is not an addition to our work – it is an integral part of it. In Serbia and Montenegro, we run a number of projects focused on education, prevention and early disease detection, as well as mental health and patient support.
Our cooperation with patient organizations in areas such as breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, melanoma and cardiovascular diseases among others has helped to improve understanding of these conditions and to raise public awareness.
We place particular emphasis on supporting young healthcare professionals, because investment in knowledge is the most meaningful investment in the future.
As the leader of one of the most innovative companies in the world, what would you say to young people considering a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
The pharmaceutical industry is a fusion of science, technology and empathy. It is a field in which work may be indirect, but it has a profound impact on people’s health and quality of life. My message to young people is to remain curious and open-minded, to learn across disciplines, and not to fear change. Innovation does not begin in the laboratory – it begins with people who believe they can make a difference.
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On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a high-level informal event dedicated to the global fight to support children suffering from cancer and other severe illnesses was held at the end of September. Hosted by the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the gathering brought together state representatives, international organisations and public health experts. Speaking on behalf of Serbia, First Lady Tamara Vučić delivered a powerful message about urgency, responsibility and the profound moral duty owed to the world’s most vulnerable children.
“Helping children suffering from cancer and other severe diseases is an issue that surpasses all challenges and rises above all politics in its importance and significance,” Vučić stated, adding that “it is my human duty which deeply inspires me to speak about our shared human responsibility to, at the very core, be compassionate towards those who need us the most.”
She emphasised that, in dealing with the gravest illnesses, time is a decisive factor. “In cases of such diseases, time is limited and the whole society must take concrete action to help children truly,” she said.
Turning to prevention, the First Lady highlighted the importance of education and early diagnosis. “Prevention is, of course, the goal. And that is why I would like to share
an important campaign that is being implemented in Serbia on the human papillomavirus, HPV, which in 99 per cent of cases leads to cervical cancer. This campaign is being successfully carried out in Serbia, and since 2022, the HPV vaccine has been available in primary healthcare centres. The second line of defence, so to speak, is early diagnosis as a key factor in improving survival rates. Here, the role of every parent is crucial, as well as the role of medical professionals who are sufficiently trained to recognise, refer and advise.”
She also underlined Serbia’s progress in providing innovative therapies for rare diseases. “Perhaps the most sensitive aspect, in both human and humanitarian terms, is reducing the suffering of children through access to innovative and state-of-the-art medicines and therapies,” Vučić said. “Serbia has, for example, managed to secure for its citizens the most expensive medicine in the world –Zolgensma – used to treat the rare disease spinal muscular atrophy. This medicine costs 2.5 million euros per patient. We are also among the first three countries in Europe to provide a new gene therapy for children
LET US STAND BY THE CHILDREN IN OUR
THOUGHTS… AND IN OUR ACTIONS, EVERY DAY
suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, another very rare disease known as the ‘butterfly children’ condition. And this therapy, again, is extremely costly.”
In the closing part of her address, the First Lady called for a united global approach, stressing that no country, regardless of its economic strength, can shoulder this burden alone. “We must unite around a goal that requires unconditional global solidarity, partnership and cooperation. Let us all work together to encourage major pharmaceutical companies to show their humanity and social responsibility. Let us stand by the children in our thoughts, in our good wishes and intentions... in our actions, every day, and spread the idea of kindness and compassion in our surroundings. Our small efforts can change the world.”
With this speech, Serbia once again positioned itself as a country that, despite its limitations, strives to provide not only treatment for the most vulnerable but also hope.
Tamara Vučić, a diplomat by training and adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, has focused much of her public engagement on health diplomacy, child protection, and rare diseases.
As First Lady, she actively supports initiatives aimed at improving access to innovative therapies and strengthening international cooperation in paediatric healthcare.
Her recent activities include participation at high-level UN events dedicated to children suffering from cancer and rare diseases, where she advocates global solidarity and fair access to life-saving treatments. She promotes HPV vaccination in Serbia, emphasising the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, and supports programmes assisting children with the rare “butter-
fly children” condition (epidermolysis bullosa).
Through her humanitarian and diplomatic work, she highlights Serbia’s efforts to secure cutting-edge therapies — including some of the world’s most advanced and expensive treatments — and consistently calls for stronger partnerships between governments, medical institutions and the international community.
Serbia Secures Access to Organ Transplants in Belarus Through Newly Signed Agreement
The Minister of Health in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Dr Zlatibor Lončar, paid an official working visit to Belarus at the invitation of his counterpart, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus, Aleksandr Khodzhayev.
During an open and constructive discussion with Minister Khodzhayev and his associates, Minister Lončar had the opportunity to learn about the structure of the Belarusian healthcare system, as well as its plans and priorities for the period ahead. Particular attention was devoted to potential cooperation between the two countries in the field of organ transplantation, an area in which Belarus has achieved remarkable results. At the same time, Serbia, despite a significant increase in the number of donors this year, still has a waiting list. In this context, it was agreed that Serbian citizens would be able to undergo organ transplants in Belarus at the expense of the Serbian state, and that expert teams from both sides would be formed in the near future to work closely together to ensure that this cooperation becomes as effective and successful as possible.
The legal and regulatory framework for this type of cooperation was secured through a Memorandum of Understanding, which the two ministers signed in Minsk.
The hosts also familiarised Minister Lončar with the work, capacity and operating model of the prestigious state institution, the “Minsk Scientific and Practical Centre for Surgery, Transplantology and Haematology”, where the largest number of transplants in Belarus is performed and where Serbian citizens will be able to receive such procedures.
THE AGREEMENT MARKS A MAJOR STEP TOWARD REDUCING SERBIA’S WAITING LIST FOR CRITICAL ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
During his one-day visit to the Belarusian capital, Minister Lončar also had the exceptional opportunity to meet His Eminence Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus, who strongly supports the programme of organ donation and transplantation.
Behind the largest private healthcare network in Serbia stands a system that demonstrates, day after day, why MediGroup has become synonymous with trust, precision, and a new generation of medical standards.
MediGroup exemplifies how true strength in modern private healthcare arises from balancing top-tier medical expertise, organizational precision, and full accessibility for every patient. As a system that has strategically expanded its network and continuously set new benchmarks in private healthcare, MediGroup today integrates 17 health centers and polyclinics, 3 special hospitals, a General Hospital, 4 diagnostic centers, and a fully connected network of laboratories, forming a unified ecosystem across the entire country.
MediGroup is an integrated healthcare system that manages thousands of medical procedures, consultations, and analyses every single day with the precision expected from a market leader. Every stage of the patient journey – from scheduling to treatment completion, is designed to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and continuity of care.
With a network that links thousands of specialists, appointments, and diagnostic processes daily, MediGroup has an operational model that manages the most valuable resources in modern medicine: patient time, diagnostic accuracy, and speed of response.
“When someone chooses MediGroup year after year, it means they recognize a system that operates seamlessly – from organization to the way we approach each patient. Our goal is for every visit to be an experience of safety and trust,” says Gorana Miletić, Health Center Manager.
Prof. Dr Đorđije Šaranović, specialist in radiology and subspecialist in interventional radiology, MediGroup
Dedicated teams enable fast results and simple scheduling, while enhancing patient experience through monitoring their needs daily. When needed, a patient will have a personal navigator responsible for ensuring that every step is clear and fully adapted to their needs.
More than 120,000 patients pass through the MediGroup General Hospital each year, where over 6,000 surgeries and more than 175,000 medical procedures are performed.
“Behind these numbers is a team of top specialists covering nearly all surgical disciplines — general, digestive, neurosurgery, gynecology, obstetrics, spinal, urology, and orthopedics. Our focus is simple: outstanding medical qualityandpatientsatisfaction”emphasizesProfessorDrSlavkoMatić, Director of MediGroup General Hospital.
The hospital is organized to respond at any moment – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It applies the highest safety standards and operates with equipment that ranks among the most advanced in the region: 3T and 1.5T MRI scanners, multislice CT units, angiography suites, next-generation laparoscopic systems, and fully digital operating theaters.
“In our work, everything is measured by precision – but what patients remember most is care. Whether they come for a routine procedure or a complex surgery, we want them to feel safe, supported, and treated with humanity,”addsProfessorMatić.
THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM IN A TEST TUBE: A LABORATORY THAT PERFORMS 4.5 MILLION
With more than 4.5 million laboratory tests performed each year across 80+ locations, MediGroup laboratories form the diagnostic backbone of the entire system.
“Our laboratories have a team of more than 50 specialists – physicians, biochemists, and molecular biologists, who personally stand behind every result.Thatistheguaranteeofreliabilityandqualityourpatientscount on,”saysVesnaKovačević-Jovanović,PhD,HeadofMediGroupCentral Laboratory.
The Central Laboratory operates as a precisely coordinated unit: from sample registration to the issuance of results, each stage undergoes multiple layers of control. Equipped with next-generation analyzers, the laboratory
Prof. Dr Slavko Matić, specialist in general surgery and Director of MediGroup General Hospital
performs more than 1,500 different tests, including the most advanced in genetics and molecular diagnostics.
“Trust is not measured by numbers, but by every accurate, timely, and clearly explained result. Patients may not see everything happening behind the scenes, but they absolutely feel the trust we build,” adds Dr Kovačević-Jovanović.
WHEN DIAGNOSTICS BECOMES A SYNONYM
MediGroup diagnostic centers perform around 80,000 imaging procedures annually for more than 50,000 patients. Accuracy, expertise, and world-class technology have positioned the system as the most reliable private diagnostic partner in the country.
“Weareequippedwiththemostadvanceddiagnostictechnology,butwhat patientsrecognizeaboveallisourapproach.Aradiologistisnotjustbehind thescreen—theyspeaktothepatient,explainthefindings,clarifytheimages.Thathumancontactiswhattrulymakesthedifference,”saysProfessor ĐorđijeŠaranović,HeadofRadiologyatMediGroupGeneralHospital
New-generation devices - 3T MRI scanners, low-dose CT units, and AIenhanced ultrasound systems enable accuracy comparable to leading global clinics. If there is even the slightest uncertainty about a result, the scan is repeated with no additional cost to the patient.
“That is how we build trust. When a patient knows their diagnostics are precise, it becomes the first step toward successful treatment,” adds Professor Šaranović.
MediGroup operates as a coordinated healthcare system in which clinical expertise, modern diagnostics, and organized workflows are a priority. The emphasis is on consistency, clear procedures, and protecting patients’ time and safety. Ongoing investment in staff development, technology, and integrated pathways supports stable service delivery across locations. This structure enables timely diagnostics, clearer clinical decisions, and smoother handovers between levels of care.
For patients, the result is a predictable process – from first contact to treatment completion. Within this framework, MediGroup continues to refine access, transparency, and day-to-day organization in line with current standards and real patient needs.
