In maternity wards in North Mitrovica and Gracanica, more babies were born than in 2022

"Despite challenging living conditions and a fragile security situation in Kosovo, more than 500 babies were born in North Mitrovica in 2023, which represents a positive trend in increasing birth rates," said gynecologist Zoran Jaksic at the Clinical-Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica for Kosovo Online.

"I am pleased to emphasize that this year there were about 500 deliveries, which, compared to 2022 when there were 430 deliveries, is a significantly higher number of births than in the previous year," Jaksic said.

He pointed out that these good statistics inspire optimism regarding the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo.

"The circumstances, as we all know, are very difficult, and the security situation is challenging. We had problems with supplies. There were no medicines and medical supplies for a long time, but then we received them. So we worked more easily and performed the daily tasks we have to do. It was easier for both us and the patients, so they didn't have to run around and buy medicines and supplies. How it will be in the future, no one knows. We hope that we will not have problems with procurement," he concluded.

He also mentioned the patients who had to give birth in Central Serbia due to prematurely born babies.

"We are not a reference institution for the care of such patients. There is always a number of women who give birth in Kragujevac and in tertiary institutions in Belgrade, also when it comes to prematurely born babies. Of course, having materials and medicines gives us confidence because we work more easily and don't have to think about it," Jaksic emphasized.

Regarding expectations for the next year, he hopes for regular supplies of hospital necessities and the continuation of this positive trend.

"We have the staff we need, with plenty of doctors. We hope that this supply will be continuous. As for the security situation, we cannot influence that. This number of deliveries gives us hope that the trend of increasing the number of deliveries will continue next year, which also makes us happy to work," concluded Jaksic.

The Gynecological-Obstetric Clinic in Gracanica had more work this year than the previous year, according to Professor Dr. Nenad Sulovic, who stated for Kosovo online that over 300 deliveries were performed in 2023, some of which were twin pregnancies.

"I can boast that this year we had up to 30% more work than in 2022, which is not a difficulty for us; we look forward to the work in advance. Without it, this community could not survive. This year we had 15% more surgeries, as well as 15% more examinations. I can boast that we reduced the percentage of Caesarean sections, which is an excellent item. As for equipment, this year we managed to renew the equipment in some parts of our system, especially in the maternity ward, which is crucial because that's where we provide the most services. We received a new vacuum extractor, and in the pediatric ward, we provided a transport incubator, which is a significant step forward for our neonatology service," stated Sulovic.

As he stated, the Gynecological-Obstetric Clinic in Gracanica has all the necessary conditions for performing major interventions. The equipment for laparoscopic interventions is missing, but, according to him, it will be procured during the next year.

"If necessary, in terms of equipment and personnel, we have conditions for performing major obstetric and gynecological interventions. For now, we still cannot perform laparoscopic interventions, but thanks to the Ministry of the Republic of Serbia and the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, we started implementing the project to procure operative laparoscope and operative hysteroscope at the end of this year," added Sulovic.

Like all healthcare institutions in Kosovo, there were problems with a shortage of drugs in the maternity ward in Gracanica during this year.

"We face occasional shortages of drugs, you know that was the case this year, not only at the University Clinical Center Pristina-Gracanica but also in Pasjane and Mitrovica. Thanks to the efforts of the ministry and the directors of these institutions, that problem has been solved, and now we have consumables and drugs," he emphasized.

Female patients have only words of praise for this healthcare institution, and Dr. Sulovic notes that they have gained the trust of women based on their work.

"We try, the staff, with doctors at the forefront, provides the maximum that can be given in this environment, and the community recognizes that. We have great support and trust. We have gained the trust of women in Gracanica and the surrounding area, and beyond, and they choose us to complete childbirth as the holiest act of pregnancy," Sulovic stated.

Aleksandra Velickovic from Gracanica has become a mother for the second time, and, as she emphasizes, she is very satisfied with the conditions and the staff at the maternity ward.

"Thank God, everything went well, the baby is fine, I am fine. The conditions are good, the nurses are pleasant; I am very satisfied with the service," she said for Kosovo Online.

The director of the Health Center in Gnjilane, Zoran Peric, told Kosovo Online that 126 babies were born in the maternity ward in Pasjane this year, 63 girls and an equal number of boys.

"On average, more than 120 babies are born here, which is excellent," said Peric.

He added that the maternity ward in Pasjane is equipped with all the necessary equipment.

"The year has passed very well. Regarding the equipment, we have all the necessary equipment. A large number of patients were treated in all departments, both in the internal and pediatric departments. A large number of patients were examined in specialist clinics, and we also conducted four screening examinations," added Peric.

The maternity ward in Pasjane faced the same problem as all health institutions in Kosovo this year, with a shortage of drugs, Peric notes, adding that this problem has now been resolved.

"There was only a problem with the distribution of drugs by our suppliers. However, in the last two months, we have received several larger shipments, so we will have drugs for some time," emphasized Peric.