Pharmacy Network Apoteka Beograd (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)
Jelena Sikuljak, chairwoman of trade union Opstanak (Survival) in Apoteka Beograd, state-owned health institution providing pharmaceutical services and medications to citizens in Serbia’s capital, on July 28 said that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has promised that all employees will receive their 16 unpaid monthly salaries in the next month or 45 days.
After the meeting with Vucic, Sikuljak told BETA that the total arrears amount to around RSD900 million, adding that Vucic did not mention how this amount will be funded. She added that Vucic also promised immediate renewal of health insurance cards of employees.
Sakuljak also said they told Vucic that they would like to remain a state institution. Vucic’s proposal, according to her, is that Apoteka Beograd continues operating with the state support for the next three to six months, and providing they incur no losses, they will continue to work as usual, but if they operate in the red, the pharmaceutical institution will be put up for a concession agreement.
The meeting was also attended by Apoteka Beograd head Nikola Prelevic, Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Sapic, Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, and Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar. The founding acts of Apoteka Beograd were handed to the City of Belgrade in 2002. Business problems started in 2012, and the City of Belgrade has not been “covering” for them since last year. Meanwhile, they have been exchanging mutual accusations for unpaid rent for business premises and unpaid salaries.
To get full access to all content of interest see our
Subscription offer
Or
Register for free
And read up to 5 articles each month.
Already have an account? Please Log in.