The Montenegrin government has allocated a budget of €487.12 million to the Health Insurance Fund (FZO) for 2026, marking a 7.62 percent increase compared to the previous year. This budget is described by the FZO as “reasonably allocated” and asserts that it does not pose a risk to insured individuals. The allocation for medicines and medical supplies stands at €197 million, with €25 million designated for private pharmacies and the remaining €172 million directed to Montefarm.
According to FZO representatives, the projected budget reflects a growth trend of approximately 20.23 percent over the previous year’s budget, aligning with rising costs of medications and medical resources. They emphasize that while various factors may influence total spending throughout the year, they remain confident that any discrepancies will not jeopardize the primary goal of ensuring drug availability for insured individuals.
Concerns About Underestimation of Health Expenditure
Sead Čirgić, the former director of the FZO, has expressed concerns regarding the budget’s adequacy. He noted that the proposed budget for 2026 is underestimated compared to actual consumption data from 2025. Čirgić highlighted that annual health expenditure growth is around 10 percent, indicating that the budget falls short by a margin of €35 million to €50 million.
In light of a recent government approval of an additional €30 million to ensure the provision of medicines and medical supplies through the end of the year, the FZO reassured that the 2026 budget has been fundamentally planned. They stated that while there could be deviations in specific budget lines during the year, adjustments will be made in the final accounting to ensure comprehensive and timely healthcare coverage for insured individuals.
Future of Montenegro’s Health System Under Scrutiny
Čirgić pointed out that despite the government’s prioritization of the health system, the lack of substantial reforms may lead to persistent issues such as long waiting lists and the transfer of healthcare costs to patients. He cautioned that while there may not be significant shortages of medicines that could destabilize the system, proactive measures are essential due to a general erosion of trust in healthcare services.
He further noted that the state plans to allow for borrowing of up to €3.1 billion through the 2026 budget law, a move he described as unprecedented globally. This potential borrowing exceeds projected revenues of €3.08 billion for the coming year, raising questions about financial sustainability.
As the government navigates these challenges, collaboration among the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the FZO remains crucial. They are working together on strategies and plans to improve the status of insured individuals and address existing anomalies within the healthcare system. With the upcoming elections in mind, the focus on healthcare is expected to intensify, as public dissatisfaction among patients and citizens grows.
