Belgrade’s Covid Hospital Transforms into Vital Palliative Care Center – Urgent Update
Belgrade, Serbia – In a significant shift for Serbia’s healthcare landscape, the Covid hospital in Belgrade’s Batajnica district will reopen its doors on Monday, July 28th, not to fight a pandemic, but to offer compassionate care to those facing life-limiting illnesses. This move, long anticipated following initial announcements last year, addresses a critical shortage of palliative care services in the country and represents a powerful repurposing of a facility built during a time of crisis. This is breaking news for those following healthcare developments in the region, and a story with lasting implications for how nations respond to future health challenges.
From Pandemic Response to Compassionate Care
Originally constructed in late 2020 as a rapid-response facility with 200 intensive care beds and 800 semi-intensive care spaces, the Batajnica hospital stood as a symbol of Serbia’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. While plans initially included a complete conversion to a dialysis center, the current plan involves a partial renovation to establish a dedicated palliative care unit. Professor Dr. Aleksandra Pavlović Marković, deputy director of the Serbian university of applied sciences, explained that the center will be integrated within the Clinic for Pneumology, creating a comprehensive care pathway from diagnosis to end-of-life support.
Addressing a Critical Need: Palliative Care in Serbia
The opening of this 50-bed center (with potential for expansion) comes at a crucial time. Serbia has historically faced a significant deficit in specialized palliative medicine professionals. Reports from 2023 indicated only six practicing specialists nationwide. While the Ministry of Health has yet to provide updated figures in response to inquiries from “VREME,” the launch of this center signals a commitment to improving access to quality palliative care for patients battling not only cancer, but also chronic diseases like heart failure, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. State Secretary Ivana Stašević Karličić emphasized the government’s vision of palliative care becoming a standard, not a privilege, within the Serbian healthcare system.
Beyond Cancer: Who Will Benefit?
This isn’t just about cancer patients. The Batajnica center will welcome individuals with a range of serious, terminal illnesses, offering a multidisciplinary approach to care. A team of doctors (internists, physiatists), nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, and psychologists will provide holistic support, consulting specialists as needed. Patients will typically stay for up to two weeks, with the goal of returning home with improved quality of life and ongoing support. Access to the center will be determined by assessments from the Serbian Medical Center Council.
The Fate of Other Covid Hospitals & a Look Ahead
The Batajnica hospital isn’t the only facility undergoing a transformation. Serbia built three Covid hospitals during the pandemic – in Belgrade, Kruševac, and Novi Sad. While Batajnica is reopening with a new purpose, the hospital in Kruševac remains largely unused despite earlier announcements of a palliative care department. The Novi Sad facility, however, has already been successfully repurposed, now offering dialysis, rehabilitation, mental health services, and urology care. This trend highlights a broader conversation about the long-term utility of pandemic-era infrastructure and the importance of adaptable healthcare planning.
The shift in Batajnica represents more than just a change in function; it’s a testament to the evolving needs of a nation and a commitment to providing dignified, compassionate care to those who need it most. As Serbia continues to refine its healthcare system, the success of this palliative care center will undoubtedly serve as a model for future initiatives, demonstrating the power of repurposing resources to address critical gaps in service. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of healthcare developments in Serbia and around the globe, and explore our archive for in-depth analysis of healthcare policy and innovation.
