Lushtaku: I ordered the closure of clinics; they may resume operations once integrated into Kosovo’s system

The Mayor of Srbica, Sami Lushtaku, announced that he had issued an order to close two family medicine clinics in two settlements with a non-majority Serb community in Banja and Suvo Grlo. He stated that these clinics had begun operating illegally under the administration of parallel Serbian structures, outside the constitutional and legal framework of Kosovo, and that they may resume operations only once they are fully integrated into Kosovo’s healthcare system.

“Following the receipt and verification of information, I issued an order to close two family medicine clinics in two settlements with a non-majority Serb community in Banja and Suvo Grlo, which had begun operating illegally under the administration of parallel Serbian structures, outside the constitutional and legal framework of the Republic of Kosovo. What we found is unacceptable: medicines without labels and with expired dates, the use of medical stamps and prescriptions without the presence of a doctor, and many other violations that are contrary to healthcare laws and protocols. In addition to being a legal violation, this represents a direct threat to the life and health of citizens,” Lushtaku wrote on Facebook.

He stressed that no one will be allowed to endanger the life and health of citizens by operating outside the system and the laws of Kosovo.

“We have taken all necessary legal measures and informed the competent authorities, including the Kosovo Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices. These two family medicine clinics may resume operations only once they are fully integrated into the healthcare system of the Republic of Kosovo and implement the Constitution and laws of Kosovo without any compromise, as this is the only way to protect the life and health of citizens without discrimination,” Lushtaku stated.