TİKA Continues to Support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Health Infrastructure

As part of the “No Barriers to Smile – Support for the Development of Oral and Dental Health Services in Tuzla Canton Health Houses Project,” implemented by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Tuzla Canton—the most populous canton in Bosnia and Herzegovina—dental clinics were established in two separate health centers.

The project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Tuzla Canton, aimed to provide dental care services to all citizens with a particular focus on individuals with special needs, children and the elderly, at the Dr. Mustafa Šehović and Gradačac Health Centers. The dental treatment facilities established under the project were specifically designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities could receive care comfortably, making them the only clinics in Tuzla Canton equipped with this capability.

The opening ceremony of the clinics was attended by Mirela Bećirović, the spouse of Denis Bećirović, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Sadık Babür Girgin, Turkish Ambassador to Sarajevo; Dušanka Bećirović, Tuzla Canton Health Minister; Erdinç Işık, TİKA’s Coordinator in Sarajevo; Samir Mačković, Tuzla Health Center Manager; and other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Girgin expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of the project, noting that the clinic in Tuzla is equipped to serve 5,000 individuals with special needs and disabilities annually.

Mirela Bećirović thanked TİKA for promptly addressing the oral and dental health service needs of the Tuzla Health Center.

Tuzla Canton Health Minister Dušanka Bećirović highlighted the longstanding collaboration with TİKA on significant health projects, emphasizing that the opening of the oral and dental health clinic would help retain young healthcare professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Samir Macković mentioned the importance of the dental clinic, which became operational after 15 years thanks to the project. He expressed his gratitude for being able to offer citizens the quality services they deserve and extended his thanks to the Turkish government and people.

The oral and dental health clinics in the health centers renovated by TİKA are now open to all citizens, providing treatments free of charge.