This chapter records all building projects other than housing. There is also a general discussion of political issues which impacted upon the programme and our ability to realise it.

Health Buildings

Fifteen health buildings, all heavily damaged, were repaired and medically reequipped to a high standard. In several cases, this involved major new works to extend the existing facilities. Five health buildings were completely new structures, namely the ‘Dom Zdravlja’ hospital, the east old persons’ home and three local clinics. The contract details are scheduled in Appendix One.

These projects fall into four categories:

1. • seven local clinics, known as ‘ambulantas’, which served neighbourhoods or nearby villages, providing primary health care;

2. • two old people's homes, one on each side;

3. • three hospitals, including a general hospital on the east side (‘South Camp’) and also one on the west side (‘Dom Zdravlja’), as well as a paediatric and maternity hospital (‘Brankovac’); and

4. • three support facilities, namely the public health institute, social work centre and rehabilitation centre.

The EUAM Director of Health, Dr Pasqualino (‘Nino’) Procacci, managed the implementation of the construction projects. I interviewed and selected several Bosnian architects (at his request) and they worked under his general guidance. Upon his departure in July 1996, the responsibility was passed to me and his staff joined the Reconstruction Department.

In addition to his medical experience, Dr Procacci was a knowledgeable health systems planner. He commissioned Italian consultants to prepare a careful review of the existing situation and to propose a rational plan for the future. This covered all aspects of the health system, such as organisation and management, manpower and training, equipment and drugs, and finance. The aim was to repair the system itself—not just physical objects—but he did not succeed altogether. The reason for this was, I suspect, once again, the reluctance of the EUAM to take a systems perspective.

I will also mention the politics of health. Mostar had had one major general hospital at Bijeli Brijeg. This was on Croat territory. Mr Koschnick wanted to press the Croats to admit Muslim patients and doctors, so that once again it would become a facility for the entire sub-region.