At the sitting held on 10 December, the Committee on Health and the Family considered the Republic of Serbia 2010 Budget Bill. The sitting was chaired by Dr Paja Momcilov, Committee Chairman.

The representatives of the Ministry of Health emphasised the continued restrictive budgetary policy in the sphere of health care. However, certain segments necessitate increased budgetary expenditure, primarily the newly-created Directorate for Biomedicine, the implementation of the Food Safety Law, as well as the suppression the new flu pandemic. Certain budgetary funds are also intended for the organised efforts against cancer, smoking and addiction.

Next year plans only the most necessary expenditure for new investment, while the focus shall be on the investment maintenance of existing health institutions.

The discussion gave voice to numerous objections to the Bill. It was pointed out that the Government is decreasing the funds intended for citizens’ health care at a time when various medical conditions are on the rise. The Ministry was also criticised for raising the administrative cost of health care.

It was also said that the Budget Bill did not allocate funds for the preventive health care of children, prevention of psychological conditions and depression and encouragement of childbearing. The lack of population policy and the increasingly unfavourable demographic map of Serbia were also pointed out.

By a majority of votes, the Committee on Health and the Family endorsed the Republic of Serbia 2010 Budget Bill in principle, with four reserved opinions.

The sitting was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the Republic Health Insurance Institute.