A Historic Moment - The Building of the Faculty of Health Studies at UNSA Officially Inaugurated

Today marked the ceremonial opening of the building for the University of Sarajevo's Faculty of Health Studies. The capital project, titled "Reconstruction, Investment Maintenance, and Equipping of the Faculty of Health Studies Building at the University of Sarajevo," began on November 19, 2020, following a decision by the Management Board, which granted approval to finalize an agreement between the United Nations Development Programme and the Faculty of Health Studies for the purpose of adapting and enhancing the energy efficiency of the designated facility. Consequently, on December 11, 2020, an agreement was signed, initiating the process for the realization of the project focusing on the reconstruction, investment maintenance, and equipping of the Faculty of Health Studies building at the University of Sarajevo.

The total value of the project, excluding equipment, amounts to 6,394,014 KM, primarily financed through a loan of 3,989,000 KM from the Sarajevo Canton, complemented by funds of 2,000,000 KM from the University of Sarajevo’s own resources; the remaining portion was funded by the United Nations Development Mission.

The Faculty building spans a total area of 4,108 m² and is divided into two interconnected sections: Building A and Building B. Building A houses the Institute for Health Development, functionally designed for the provision of health services, practical training, and scientific research activities. It consists of facilities for physical therapy, kinesitherapy, healthcare, midwifery, spaces for MRI and CT imaging, a nutrition counseling center, and three laboratories: biochemical, microbiological, and a laboratory for food and water control. Building B is dedicated to theoretical instruction, featuring nine classrooms, a large amphitheater, a conference hall, and various student facilities (library, reading room, relaxation areas, student administration office, archive, etc.).

All spaces have been constructed in accordance with European standards. Regarding technical specifications, the building is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities, equipped with two ramps and accessible restrooms on each floor, as well as a heating-cooling system based on heat pumps. Alternative heating is provided by a gas boiler, complemented by a modern ventilation system and an electrical system based on direct current. Consequently, it has been rated as an A-category energy-efficient building. Additionally, the conceptual design for a solar power plant with a capacity of 23 kW has been completed and will be installed on the roof of Building B.

In terms of equipment, since 2018, the Faculty has invested 698,836 KM from its own resources, projects, and donations, with the value of equipment increasing by 200,000 KM last year through donations from the Turkish Development Agency, Bingo Group, and two municipalities: Novi Grad and Stari Grad. Furthermore, the Faculty has received donations from Diamedica d.o.o., DM, various NGOs, and individual benefactors.

The inauguration was attended by Rector of the University of Sarajevo Professor Dr. Tarik Zaimović, Chairman of the University Management Board Professor Dr. Murat Ramadanović, Vice Rectors, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies Professor Dr. Arzija Pašalić, Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton Mr. Nihad Uk, Minister for Science, Higher Education, and Youth of KS Professor Dr. Adna Mesihović, Minister of Health of KS Mr. Enis Hasanović, Minister of Finance of KS Mr. Afan Kalamujić, Mayors of municipalities in the city of Sarajevo, Vice Chair of the KS Assembly Ms. Danijela Kristić, Representatives in the KS Assembly, Deans and Directors of the University members, representatives from international organizations such as UNDP, TIKA, WHO, as well as business leaders, staff, and students of the Faculty.

This building is a true testament to our commitment to creating a higher quality education and a better future for the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thus, the Faculty of Health Studies building at the University of Sarajevo has been inaugurated, serving as a source of honor and pride for the University, the Sarajevo Canton, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolically unveiled just before the nation's Independence Day.