Kamenica residents: The clinic meant a great deal to the elderly; We received primary medical care there

Serbs from Kamenica, where a clinic operating within Serbia’s healthcare system has been temporarily closed, emphasized that its work was of great importance, particularly for elderly residents, as it provided them with primary medical care.

One resident of Kamenica pointed out that the clinic provided services to both Serbs and Albanians.

“Two inspectors in plain clothes simply came and told the employees to leave their workplaces. This clinic meant a lot not only to Kamenica, but also to all the surrounding villages—Ajnovce, Strezovce, and the entire area up to Ranilug. People came here, Albanians came as well, and they were treated just like all other patients. There is no nationality here; a patient is a patient. Residents of Kamenica can now only go to Ranilug or Vranje. This is where we received first aid. Two years ago, I suffered a heart attack, and they provided me with emergency assistance here. This is outright terror against the Serbian people—they are taking over Serbian property and shutting down Serbian institutions. We do not know how far this will go, but we have no strength left,” she said.

One of Kamenica’s residents expressed hope that the closure would be only temporary.

“The clinic was of great importance to us because we could undergo certain medical examinations there. Yesterday I heard that it had been closed, although I do not know exactly when. I was told that two inspectors came and shut it down, whether because of hygiene issues or property disputes, I do not know. Those who have cars will have to travel farther—to Bujanovac, Vranje, or Ranilug. That is our only option at the moment. I have heard that this measure is temporary,” he said.

Another resident said that the clinic had been a refuge for elderly people.

“It was our only place where we could receive everything we needed in terms of healthcare,” she said.
The clinic in Kamenica, which operates within the healthcare system of the Republic of Serbia, was temporarily closed on Monday. According to local residents who spoke to Kosovo Online, two Albanian inspectors in plain clothes entered the facility at around 3 p.m. on Monday and ordered the staff to leave the premises.

Representatives of the healthcare institution stated that the clinic had been closed by the municipal inspectorate due to what were described as “alleged property-related issues concerning the building.”