The installation of new signage bearing Kosovo symbols at health clinics in the villages of Banjë and Syriganë in the municipality of Skenderaj has triggered mixed reactions from local residents, political representatives, and officials from Serbia.
The facilities, which previously operated within Serbia’s parallel healthcare system, were recently integrated into Kosovo’s institutional framework. The new signs display the name “Banjë Clinic” in Albanian, Serbian, and English, along with the flag of Kosovo and the emblem of the Skenderaj municipality.
Local authorities confirmed that the clinics will only continue operating once fully integrated into Kosovo’s healthcare system. The previous signage, which referred to the institutions as part of the Serbian system, was removed earlier this week.
Residents from the Serb community in Banjë expressed concern over the changes, warning that access to healthcare services could be affected. Some claimed that the closure or restructuring of the clinics may leave vulnerable patients without nearby medical support.
Political representatives from the largest Serb party in Kosovo, Srpska Lista, strongly opposed the changes, calling on international actors including the European Union and the United States to intervene. The party argued that such actions risk undermining access to healthcare for the Serb community and could destabilize the situation on the ground.
Serbian officials also reacted, stating that healthcare workers operating under the Serbian system would not work under Kosovo symbols, and describing the changes as unilateral and unacceptable.
The European Union has previously stated that the integration of Serbian-run health and education structures in Kosovo should take place through consultation with affected communities and within the framework of dialogue facilitated by the EU.
Kosovo authorities maintain that the existence of parallel institutions is not sustainable and that integration is necessary to ensure a unified and functional public service system.
The situation remains sensitive, with differing interpretations from Prishtina and Belgrade regarding the status and future of healthcare services in Serb-majority areas of Kosovo.
