Vukovic Medical Group: expanding private medical services

The Vukovic Medical Group was founded in 2017 with the aim of setting up a hospital and expanding the range of healthcare services offered by Poliklinika Vukovic (established in 2007). Today, the Group offers services in more than 25 specialised medical fields. “Our practice began as a small doctor’s office and, over time, has grown and developed”, explains Jasna Vukovic. “We hired more doctors and staff, and turned into a polyclinic. We are the very first private clinic in the Vojvodina region and still the only private clinic in the area.”

In Serbia, medical services are largely dispensed by the public healthcare system, although the government has recently been making changes to favour private healthcare more than in the past. “A growing number of patients turn to private healthcare institutions. It’s important that the private sector is able to complement the public healthcare offer. We have better equipment and try to offer a more efficient and dedicated service,” explains Jasna, adding that patients travel from as far as Croatia to access quality medical services.

To accommodate growing demand, the Vukovics decided to move to larger facilities, covering 2500m², with two operating theatres and brand new equipment. To pursue this expansion, they obtained an EIF-guaranteed loan from ProCredit Bank. “It’s quite simple really: If it hadn’t been for this help, we would not have been able to carry out our expansion plans,” Jasna says. “We would not have given up on the idea, but I have to admit that nothing would have happened without ProCredit Bank.” The expansion, once complete, will allow the Vukovics to hire up to 15 additional staff, creating jobs in the region.

Jasna has a farsighted strategy for the family business: “As the first private hospital in this area, we want to be the leading healthcare institution in the local market.” The future is looking secure: Jasna and Miroljub’s three children are all studying medicine, ensuring that the third generation will also be doctors. “My father-in-law and my husband are doctors”, adds Jasna, proudly. “What can I say – it must run in the family.”

Company: Vukovic Medical Group (Serbia)

Type of business: helthcare

EU-Financing:  WB EDIF

Financial intermediary: ProCredit Bank

For further information about EIF intermediaries in Serbia, please refer to:
http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/rs