13 December 2021 11:12

During the first 11 months of this year, 211 children underwent cardiac surgery

From January to November of 2021, 211 children underwent cardiac surgery under the mandatory health insurance. The surgical procedures were carried out in private medical facilities contracted by the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance (Agency) and in medical facilities supervised by the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB). Among those who underwent operations were two 3-month-old babies. Citizens living in different cities and regions of the country were operated on based on a queuing system. It should be noted that the provision of medical services by contracted health facilities based on referrals and their registration in the electronic register continues.

It should be noted that the examination and treatment of perinatal cardiovascular disorders, congenital malformations of the vascular system are covered by the Benefit Package of the mandatory health insurance. Medication and medical supplies used during the operation, resuscitation treatment and hospitalization, laboratory and instrumental examinations during hospitalization, histopathological, cytopathological examinations, physiotherapy, doctor's follow-up are also provided within the Benefit Package.

Recently, there have been various requests in several media outlets to raise funds from the population for surgery of individuals. Three articles recently published by a well-known media outlet have been investigated by the Agency. When they were contacted, it was found out that they were provided with medical services under the mandatory health insurance. The fundraising was, in fact, to meet other needs related to the disease.

We would like to draw the attention of citizens and the media once again to the fact that 2,550 medical services are covered by the Benefit Package of the mandatory health insurance. Surgical procedures cover 950 medical services. These include implantation or replacement of a cochlear prosthesis, intra-articular endoprosthesis, coronary artery bypass surgery, replacement and repair of heart valves, surgical treatment of congenital heart defects, as well as minimally invasive cardiac surgery and several other operations. It should be noted that medical services related to diseases treated and examined under state programs, as well as cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery, organ transplantation, artificial insemination and dental services are not included in the Benefit Package of the mandatory health insurance.

Citizens, as well as representatives of the media, are asked to contact the relevant body (medical facility / TABIB / Agency) in case of difficulties in the provision of medical services under the Benefit Package.