The death of a baby during childbirth at the General Hospital in Novi Pazar has attracted widespread public attention after disturbing claims about the circumstances of the case emerged on social media, prompting numerous citizens to demand an investigation into what happened. Students of the State University of Novi Pazar (DUNP) have also spoken out over the tragedy, demanding accountability from those responsible, an independent inspection of the healthcare system, and verification of employees’ professional qualifications.
In their statement, they said that this tragedy “must not remain just another case in a series,” but must instead become an opportunity to confront what they describe as deeply rooted problems within the healthcare system.
The students expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased baby, emphasizing that in situations like this, society owes the family accountability, the truth, and a determination to establish all the circumstances.
They pointed out that the healthcare system must protect the life and dignity of every person, but that this cannot be achieved if professional expertise gives way to nepotism, employment through political and personal connections, and diplomas that, as they put it, “become a ticket to jobs where the lives of human beings depend on employees’ knowledge and responsibility.”
In their assessment, irresponsibility and incompetence must not become commonplace, and citizens should not be forced to seek healthcare outside the public system because they have lost trust in medical institutions.
Among the problems they highlighted were poor hygiene conditions, neglect of patients, and unequal quality of healthcare, which, they stressed, must not depend on citizens’ financial circumstances.
“The healthcare system must not be a place where human life is left to ignorance, negligence, and irresponsibility. New healthcare facilities, modern equipment, and newly constructed buildings have no value whatsoever if the same practices continue to be repeated inside them,” the students stated, emphasizing that institutions are not built with concrete and walls alone, but with knowledge, ethics, expertise, and responsibility.
They are demanding a thorough and independent inspection of the healthcare system, verification of diplomas, professional qualifications, and the legality of hiring practices, as well as the establishment of accountability for everyone who abuses their position or endangers lives through their actions.
They are also calling for investigations into cases of corruption, nepotism, and professional negligence, “without exceptions or political protection.”
“Our people must no longer be hostages of dysfunctional institutions. Silence is not an option, and accountability must not be selective. Tragedies must not be the only moments when we remember that healthcare is an issue that concerns us all,” the students declared.
They wished the family strength and sabr (patience), adding that accountability can no longer be avoided and that institutions must serve citizens, not individuals.
Father calls for circumstances surrounding baby’s death to be established
The baby’s father, Adnan Rebronja, spoke to the Mahala.rs portal about the circumstances surrounding the death, calling on the authorities to investigate the course of the delivery and determine whether medical staff had made any mistakes.
Rebronja said that his wife was expecting their fifth child and that, after her due date had passed, she regularly went to the hospital for checkups and CTG examinations.
According to him, when she arrived at the hospital on Friday, she was repeatedly told to walk around and return for another CTG recording.
He believes that this treatment was exhausting for his wife and expressed suspicion that her condition was not assessed promptly and appropriately.
As he told Mahala, the delivery lasted approximately three hours, after which the baby died. Rebronja emphasized that he was not present during the delivery and therefore cannot say who was responsible, but expects an investigation to establish what happened in the maternity ward.
“I cannot accuse anyone because I wasn’t inside. They wouldn’t let me in. All I have is a dead child and an exhausted wife,” Rebronja said.
He also stated that an autopsy had been performed, after which he was allegedly verbally informed that the baby had been healthy. This statement reflects his account of the conversation following the autopsy, while the official findings and cause of death have not been made public.
The father also raised objections to the way his wife was treated after the delivery. According to him, she was asked to sign a document stating that she was leaving the hospital at her own responsibility, which she refused to do, after which she remained hospitalized.
He also claims that healthcare workers spoke with her and tried to convince her that they were “not responsible” and that she should not initiate legal proceedings. These allegations have not yet been independently confirmed.
The father announced that, following consultations with lawyers, he would contact the prosecutor’s office and the health inspection authorities, from whom he expects an examination of the medical records, the course of the delivery, and the conduct of the healthcare workers.
“I want to go and request that proceedings be initiated, so that an investigation can establish who is responsible,” Rebronja told Mahala, adding that he wants his case to contribute to improving the treatment of other families.
Police and prosecutors investigating the allegations
As reported by the Mahala podcast, the police and the competent prosecutor’s office had previously confirmed that they would investigate the allegations surrounding this case. According to information published by the outlet, statements are expected to be taken from the child’s parents and the director of the healthcare institution.
The authorities reportedly announced that they would inform the public of the results of the investigation in due course.
The circumstances surrounding the baby’s death, its cause, and any potential responsibility on the part of healthcare workers have not yet been officially established. Allegations of possible mistakes during the delivery and in the treatment of the mother were made in the father’s account, and their validity must be determined by the competent institutions.
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Source: Izlaz.com, Foto: Zerina Torbić
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