A group of employees at the Narodni Front Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Belgrade has raised concerns over what it describes as attempts to exert political influence on the management of one of Serbia’s leading maternity and women’s healthcare institutions.
In a statement sent to N1, the employees warned that key management positions could be taken over by individuals whose previous political activities and connections with structures associated with the outgoing government raise questions about the independence of the clinic’s future leadership.
The group specifically named Dr. Boban Antonijević, Dr. Lazar Nej ković and Professor Ana Jovanović.
The employees called for clarification of reports concerning Antonijević, a member of parliament from the We – Strength of the People movement, and his alleged political contacts and cooperation with representatives of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), including reported meetings with Andrej Vučić, the brother of former Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
They also called for verification of claims that Nej ković and Jovanović had signed a public statement of support for Aleksandar Vučić.
The employees said citizens, medical staff and the professional community had the right to know whether potential personnel changes were being driven by professional qualifications or political interests.
“It is unacceptable for changes in the political circumstances to become an opportunity for political switching, concealing previous party affiliations and so-called résumé laundering,” the statement said.
The group stressed that the Narodni Front Clinic must not become political property belonging to any party, interest group or individual.
Employees demand professional criteria and transparency
The employees emphasized that the clinic has for decades played a central role in providing healthcare for women and newborns in Serbia, and that its reputation was built by generations of doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals.
They said management appointments should be based exclusively on professional expertise, integrity, organizational abilities and proven work records.
“We do not question anyone’s right to hold political views, but we insist that management positions in an institution of such public importance be awarded solely on the basis of professional qualifications,” the statement said.
They added that political affiliation must not replace professional competence and that changing political allegiances cannot, by itself, demonstrate professional independence.
The group called on the relevant institutions to ensure full transparency in the selection of the clinic’s future management and prevent political interference in staffing decisions.
Clinic management tells employees to maintain responsibilities
N1 also obtained a document in which the clinic’s management informed employees that they remain fully responsible for ensuring the institution’s uninterrupted operation until a new Serbian government is formed and new management is appointed.
The document, addressed to department heads, senior doctors, section chiefs and head nurses, states that existing responsibilities remain unchanged.
It emphasizes the need to maintain normal operations, ensure patient and staff safety, and properly manage the equipment under their responsibility.
The management described this approach as the only democratic and dignified way to handle the post-election transition, while minimizing disruption to the clinic’s operations, public property and working relationships.
The statement from employees comes amid broader political changes in Serbia following the October 25 parliamentary elections, which resulted in the defeat of the Serbian Progressive Party after 14 years in power.
