FACULTY OF MEDICINE IN FOČA - GIANT WITH MORE THAN 2,500 STUDENTS

FOČA, OCTOBER 15 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education Draga Mastilović said today that the Faculty of Medicine in Foča was one of the main pillars of higher education in Republika Srpska, as well as a regionally and internationally recognised centre for medical education.

"This faculty is proof that the vision of courageous and dedicated people can produce outstanding results in a relatively short period of time," Mastilović said ahead of the ceremonial academy marking the Faculty of Medicine Day.

Mastilović stressed that the establishment of the faculty under wartime conditions testified to the enthusiasm, courage, and vision of the people who recognised the importance of developing medical education in Foča.

"In 33 years, the Faculty of Medicine has grown into a giant in medical education, not only regionally but beyond. The best testament to its quality is the fact that more than 2,500 students attend the faculty, including more than 700 international students from 38 countries who study in English," Mastilović emphasised.

He said the Republika Srpska Government had recognised the importance of this higher education institution, as evidenced by numerous projects it had funded or co-funded to improve educational conditions and student welfare.

Mastilović added that this year alone, the Republika Srpska Government had launched two projects in Foča focused on higher education and student welfare, with a total investment exceeding BAM 30 million.

"These are significant investments in the local community, particularly in higher education, and none of this would have been possible without the Faculty of Medicine here," Mastilović said, congratulating all faculty staff on the occasion of the Faculty Day.

He expressed confidence that the institution would continue to make progress and develop, and that the Republika Srpska Government and the relevant ministry would remain its mainstay in implementing future projects.

"I am confident that the funding and opportunities will be found to provide everything necessary for the Faculty to continue developing and remain a source of pride for Republika Srpska," Mastilović said.