Dr. Snezana Stojanovic was assaulted last night at the Bratunac Health Center, BN TV reports.

Due to sustained injuries, Dr. Stojanovic was transported from Bratunac to a hospital in Zvornik. According to RTVBN, the attack resulted in a broken jaw and chest injuries, and she is currently in the intensive care unit.

The family of Dr. Stojanovic is in shock, stating that they cannot believe such an incident has occurred. The attack took place very close to the police station, which is only three minutes away from the health center.

The assaulted doctor was at her workplace when she was beaten by unknown individuals. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

The hospital in Zvornik issued a statement about the incident. “Last night around 3:15 am, a doctor working in the Emergency Service at the Bratunac Health Center was brought in, and as far as we know, she was assaulted at her workplace and then transported to the hospital,” said Ivan Popovic, director of the Zvornik Hospital, to “Nezavisne novine.”

“Currently, we are performing scans and other diagnostics. Regarding the severity of her injuries, we cannot say anything until the examination is complete. She is currently being treated here in the hospital. She is stable and not in a life-threatening condition,” Popovic added.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska has also condemned the attack on Dr. Snezana Stojanovic, who is employed at the Bratunac Health Center and is now hospitalized in the Zvornik Hospital. The Ministry emphasized that it expects the relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure the perpetrator is punished in accordance with the law, a point also highlighted by healthcare workers at the Bratunac Health Center in support of their colleague.

“Recognizing that every citizen has the right to healthcare with respect for the highest standard of human rights, as well as physical and psychological integrity and personal safety, we remind everyone that healthcare workers must also receive the same level of respect from patients and their families, and that their workplace should be considered safe. Healthcare workers do a difficult and responsible job caring for patients, preserving their health, and saving lives, and citizens come to healthcare facilities to receive necessary medical care. There is no justification for any form of attack—verbal or physical—that some healthcare workers have unfortunately experienced. In this, as in all similar cases, we appeal for adherence to laws and regulations to protect each individual and their personal integrity and professional work,” stated the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska.

The Ministry added that they are in constant contact with the Bratunac Health Center and the Zvornik Hospital where the injured doctor is receiving treatment.