In a press conference held today, Zlatan Elek, Director of Clinical Hospital Center in North Mitrovica, strongly denied any communication between the hospital’s management and the Kosovo health system. The announcement came as Elek introduced upcoming free preventive health checks for the local population.
Elek’s statement follows remarks made by Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, who recently addressed the closure of Serbian institutions in Kosovo, particularly in the administrative sector.
Sveçla emphasized that while some sectors, such as health and education, retain certain rights and privileges regulated by law, Kosovo authorities intend to handle their future status cautiously.
Sveçla also mentioned ongoing discussions between Kosovo’s Ministry of Health and Serbian health institutions.
„The health and education sectors have specific privileges, and we are not planning any changes in these areas,“ he stated, adding that the government’s approach will be measured and in accordance with Kosovo’s laws.
The comments from Sveçla quickly drew a response from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who vehemently rejected the notion of Serbian health and education systems integrating into Kosovo’s institutional framework.
„That will not happen. They can send the police to close schools and kindergartens, but we will continue paying the teachers and working with the children. However, I don’t think it will be that easy for them,“ Vučić declared.
Elek Challenges Kosovo Minister’s Involvement in Health Discussions
During today’s press conference, Elek, who also serves as the leader of the Srpska Lista political party, firmly denied any cooperation with the Kosovo health system, directly contradicting Sveçla’s remarks.
„I am telling you, we have had no communication—neither myself, nor my management, including Mr. Milović and Mrs. Danica Radomirović—none of us have ever communicated with the Kosovo health system,“ Elek stated.
He also expressed his surprise that Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs would comment on matters related to the healthcare sector, adding, „We know that the Minister of Health in the Republic of Serbia is Zlatibor Lončar. We operate under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Serbia, and we answer to the Serbian government, not to the Serbian or Kosovo police.“
Elek further assured that Hospital Center provides comprehensive medical services under Serbia’s healthcare framework. He added that even if there were any changes, these would likely occur in line with the Ahtisaari Plan and the establishment of the Association of Serb Municipalities (ASM), which would take over responsibility for healthcare administration.
„As far as funding from the Republic of Serbia is concerned, I understand that it will not be affected,“ he noted.
When pressed about whether the hospital might eventually come under Kosovo law, Elek responded, „I don’t know if it will. I don’t interpret it that way, and I wouldn’t presume to offer an interpretation.“
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