12.05.2026.

Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking International Nurses Day at Military Medical Academy

Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a ceremony marking International Nurses Day, held at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade today.

On this occasion, Minister Gašić noted that the celebration of International Nurses Day at an institution that combines military discipline with medical excellence in such a unique way, is an opportunity to remember with deep respect the important role nurses and medical technicians play in the defence system, as well as across the healthcare system of our country.

- Being a nurse or medical technician means bearing responsibility for human life, dignity, and the hope of recovery. It is no easy task, as it requires exceptional dedication, compassion, competence, and true passion for the profession and one’s life calling. The military environment, perhaps more than any other, demands the readiness to act swiftly and decisively, often under pressure. This profession does not end within working hours, but remains present wherever and whenever help is needed, in times of peace, war, emergencies, or other difficult moments. It is precisely because of this that your commitment and humanity deserve the deepest respect and admiration – the Minister of Defence said.

He stressed that the entire world recognizes the unbreakable bond between the military and healthcare, and that the strength of a country is measured not only by its defence capabilities, but also by its ability to safeguard the lives and health of all its citizens.

- In this sense, you are the true guardians of that strength – people who, through their daily work and without any grand words, show what it truly means to serve one’s homeland. The Ministry of Defence and the entire state leadership have always recognised the important role of the military healthcare system in preserving and strengthening both our armed forces and the healthcare system of our country. For this reason, we will continue in the period ahead to invest in the further development and advancement of both human and material resources, with the aim of further strengthening the military healthcare system, improving working conditions, and ensuring even more efficient and higher-quality healthcare for all those who need it – Minister Gašić said.

According to him, such a commitment will achieve its full potential only if all doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and paramedics continue to perform their daily task, while also dedicating efforts to pursue further education and professional development, and to master the use of modern technologies, thus keeping pace with the world’s most prestigious medical institutions.

Minister Bratislav Gašić stressed that, in order to further strengthen military healthcare, it is necessary to reopen the Advanced Secondary Medical School at the Military Medical Academy and ordered that a public call be announced for the recruitment of doctors and medical technicians.

Addressing the nurses and medical technicians, the Minister of Defence said that their work brings together precision and compassion, knowledge and warmth, professionalism and sacrifice, and that, precisely for that reason, their role is indispensable – not only in diagnostics and treatment, but also in maintaining the trust citizens place in the military healthcare system.

- You are the foundation and pillar of every success achieved here. Without your dedication, no therapy would be complete, no battle for a patient’s health would be won, and no recovery would be fully achieved. Thank you for being there in the most difficult and important moments, when you are needed most. Continue on the path you have chosen with pride, responsibility, and faith in the importance of the work you do – Minsiter Gašić said.

At the ceremony, the Minister of Defence presented the Verica Ćorluka Nurse of the Year Medal to Olivera Marjanović, head nurse at the Haematology Clinic, in recognition of her selfless dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the development of nursing. The medal was established in honour of Verica Ćorluka, a former head nurse at the Military Medical Academy and a colonel in the Medical Service, for her exceptional contribution to nursing as we know it today.

The Head of the Military Medical Academy, Colonel Perišić, M.D., Ph. D, said that today’s ceremony honours a profession that is much more than the title of nurse or medical technician. It is a profession that combines medical knowledge with empathy, patience, and self-sacrifice.

- We are aware of the physical and emotional strain you face every day. I know that it is not easy, but I would like to remind you that you are the heart of not only the Military Medical Academy, but of every hospital. You are always there in the most difficult moments, ready to help professionally, but also to offer hope for recovery, as well as words of comfort and warm human support – said Colonel Perišić.

Biljana Bradić, head nurse at the Military Medical Academy, noted that nursing is best understood through everyday practice, where quick, precise decisions are made, where every action carries real weight and consequence, and where knowledge is not a mere formality, but a prerequisite for patient safety and trust.

To mark the occasion, gifts and awards were presented to distinguished individuals of this military medical institution.

International Nurses Day has been observed worldwide since May 12, 1974, marking the birth anniversary of British nurse Florence Nightingale – the pioneer of modern nursing as a recognised medical profession.