30.07.2025.
Tradition spanning 186 years – Medical Service Day commemorated
Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony held today at the amphitheatre of the Military Medical Academy, marking Medical Service Day and commemorating its186th anniversary.
At the beginning of his address, Minister Gašić emphasized that he had on several occasions spoken about the rich history of the military medical service.- Each time, as is the case now, I was filled with a profound sense of pride knowing that its history – rich, challenging, and often bloody – stretches back nearly two centuries, precisely 186 years. When our society was faced with its most difficult challenges – during times when our freedom was under threat – our military medical service suffered, yet the quality of its work never declined. On the other hand, in times of peace, the development of the military medical service was, as a rule, marked by steady progress – the Minister of Defence said.
He pointed out that the military medical service had consistently demonstrated “resilience in the most challenging circumstances”.
- In addition to the expertise and exceptional professionalism of the individuals who formed the backbone of the Serbian military medical service, the common thread running through all their efforts was a deep sense of responsibility. It is this defining quality that saved lives, drove advances in medical science, equipment, modernization, and organizational capacity. That quality – perhaps not often praised or highlighted enough – is the foundation of the reputation of this very institution in which we stand today, as well as of each of you individually who proudly bear the title of military medical professional - the Minister of Defence emphasized.Minister Gašić stated that the present time, though not without hardships and challenges of its own, will be remembered in history as a period of progress.
- The state is more prosperous, and as a result, our armed forces are stronger, better equipped and better compensated. In such circumstances, the military medical service must stand at the forefront of the overall advancement of the defence system, Minister Gašić pointed out.
The Minister of Defence noted that, for the Armed Forces, the process of equipping and modernizing infirmaries and recruitment centres – where future soldiers will receive medical care while performing their compulsory military service – will be of particular importance. He emphasized that everyone must fulfil their responsibilities diligently and conscientiously, so that we are fully prepared to implement the decisions of the competent state authorities. He also added that the state of Serbia and the Ministry of Defence, as on every previous occasion, will continue to support the positive efforts of the military medical service. He reminded the members of the medical service that their tasks have never been easy or simple, and that the successes they achieve are both great and highly significant.Head of the Military Health Department, Brigadier General Professor Dr. Dragan Dinčić, stated that military healthcare has always belonged – and will continue to belong – to all citizens, emphasizing that it serves as a key indicator of both success and public trust.
- I want to pay tribute to all members of the military healthcare system for their dedicated work. Medical professionals are, by definition, optimists and believers. I am an optimist because I believe in the true values of military healthcare. I believe in military healthcare as a historical institution, as a unique asset of both the Serbian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, but also as a national asset – one whose strategic importance far exceeds all conventional boundaries – Brigadier General Dinčić said.At today’s ceremony, Brigadier General Dinčić presented certificates of appreciation for successful cooperation. On behalf of the National Health Insurance Fund, the certificate was received by its director, Professor. Dr. Sanja Radojević Škodrić. Brigadier General Professor Dr. Boban Đorović accepted a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Defence University. The Serbian Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Security Directorate was represented by its director, Slađan Velinov, who received the certificate on the institution’s behalf.
The ceremony marking Military Medical Service Day was attended by members of the Collegium of the Minister of Defence, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, heads and directors of military medical institutions, as well as numerous distinguished guests.Modern military medical service is founded on a tradition spanning 186 years, dating back to 1839, when the first staff doctor was appointed by official decree. This appointment represents the earliest formal documentation of the military medical service’s operations.
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