Visiting a Doctor in Serbia

When moving abroad, many expats are a bit unsure about the process of visiting a doctor locally, which may put them off from seeking attention as soon as they should.

However, the need would surely arise at one time or another and it is always best to have at least some basic knowledge on how health care works in the country. At the same time, having international health insurance in Serbia wouldn't hurt either.

The status of healthcare in Serbia, like its neighboring European countries of Romania, Montenegro, and Hungary, is still a work in progress. The country has suffered from the aftermath of the recent wars in the region.

Aggressive reform systems are being implemented by the Serbian government to remedy the situation.

Public healthcare in the country is provided through an extensive network of public medical institutions which includes hospitals in Serbia.

However, due to the largely rural population in the country, health centers remain the major venue of primary care in the country. There are about 159 health care centers and stations spread throughout Serbia. Health centers are called domovi zdravlja.

The delivery of healthcare in the country is mostly decentralized, where patients avail of services straight from specialists instead of visiting general practitioners first. Doctors in Serbia are called doktor and serve as a patient's first point of contact. Ideally, a patient should see a doctor practicing as a general practitioner first, and the GP then refers him to another doctor or specialist if necessary.

A GP may prescribe drugs, treat illnesses, and provide preventive care. GPs also have the authority to provide health education.