Medical Chamber finds no issues with Gospić doctors' work

An extraordinary expert review conducted by the Croatian Medical Chamber (HLK) has found no objections to the professional work of doctors at the Public Health Institute of Ličko-senjska County in Gospić. The Chamber's commission conducted the review on August 12th, focusing on the institute's response to the current public health situation.

The review encompassed the work of the Epidemiology Department and the Public Health Department. Inspectors examined the premises and medical equipment, analyzed work organization, medical documentation, and the doctors' professional conduct. The commission concluded that the doctors demonstrated a responsible and professional approach to protecting the health of the county's residents.

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The work of the doctors shows a responsible and professional approach to protecting the health of the population of Ličko-senjska County.

Regarding elevated levels of PFAS compounds, the commission noted that the Institute had undertaken epidemiological and health-ecological risk assessments within its jurisdiction. This included analyzing data, conducting field surveys, initiating laboratory tests, and surveying the population, all in coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies. The Chamber emphasized that while public health institutes monitor water quality and assess environmental impacts, soil monitoring falls under different authorities.

To further bolster public health services in the region, the HLK commission made specific recommendations. These include hiring an epidemiologist with a subspecialization in health ecology and seeking financial support from the county due to low physician interest in working there. The commission also stressed the importance of continued direct communication with citizens, especially concerning environmental risks, and proposed establishing inter-county coordination between Gospić, Rijeka, and Zadar public health institutes for emergency situations.

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The Institute, within its jurisdiction and based on the information it had, conducted an epidemiological and health-ecological assessment of the public health risk, analyzed available databases, conducted field surveys, indicated and conducted additional laboratory analyses, and surveyed the population.