Cooperation in Transplantation Medicine

A Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of transplantation medicine, through the development of organ donation promotion programmes and public education, was signed on 27 August 2025 by the Rector of the University of Banja Luka, prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, the Rector of the University of East Sarajevo, prof. Milan Kulić, PhD, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska, Alen Šeranić, and the Director of the “Kaća” Foundation, Nemanja Trivić.

The aim of the Memorandum is to enhance cooperation in the process of creating conditions for the long-term development and strengthening of transplantation medicine through the promotion of organ, tissue, and cell donation, raising public awareness of the importance of transplantation, educating the public and professional community, and developing scientific research and ethical standards in this field.

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, explained that the Memorandum envisages the promotion of transplantation and donation activities.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alen Šeranić, reminded that the healthcare system of the Republic of Srpska currently relies on the resources of European transplantation centres and emphasised the importance of involving academia in all activities related to transplantation. He added that the Institute for Dialysis and Transplantation was founded recently, expected to become operational next year, and that there are plans for the development of a stem cell donor register, in cooperation with the “Kaća” Foundation. Šeranić also announced the re-establishment of kidney transplantation from living donors, as well as the potential introduction of bone marrow and cornea transplantation.

The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education, Željko Budimir, stated that all faculties in the Republic of Srpska would support the promotion of transplantation and the improvement of public understanding of these issues.

The Rector of the University of East Sarajevo, prof. Milan Kulić, PhD, emphasised that transplantation medicine must be raised to a higher level. 

The Director of the “Kaća” Foundation, Nemanja Trivić, added that the Foundation also plans to provide psychological support to families and patients suffering from severe illnesses.

The cooperation framework set out in the Memorandum includes a range of activities, including the exchange of information and experiences, the organisation of educational campaigns, public forums and promotional events, the creation of informational materials, the marking of European Organ Donation Week and Organ Donation Day, as well as the development of joint and research projects. The Memorandum also provides for the professional development of healthcare professionals, the organisation of workshops on the ethical aspects of donation, and the inclusion of transplantation-related topics in curricula and syllabi.

Photo source: Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska