Embryos and biological material from Sarajevo clinic transferred to Zenica Hospital for safekeeping

The FBiH Inspection Authority has instructed the Cantonal Hospital in Zenica – Department for Human Reproduction, Menopause, and Aesthetic Gynecological Endocrinology to immediately take over the embryos and biological material stored at the clinic. The hospital was designated for this task as it is the only public medical institution holding an official license from the FBiH Ministry of Health to perform medically assisted reproduction (MAR) procedures.

The Zenica hospital has also been ordered to transport the embryos and biological material in accordance with the Guidelines for Infertility Treatment, issued by the Commission for the Implementation of MAR Procedures under the FBiH Ministry of Health. Upon transfer, the material will be placed in quarantine until embryologists conduct a detailed review of both the samples and the accompanying documentation.

After verifying the consistency and documentation of each sample, the ministry stated that patients will receive official certificates allowing them to transfer their embryos or biological material to a clinic of their choice, where they may continue or begin in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

The ministry appealed to all affected patients to remain patient and understanding until the entire process of verification, transfer, and documentation is completed. Once the procedures are finalized, each patient will be individually contacted by the Zenica Hospital, in coordination with the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to discuss the next steps.

The Ministry emphasized that it will continue to closely monitor the implementation of all related measures to ensure that the process proceeds in full compliance with professional and legal standards, with the primary goal of safeguarding patients’ rights and interests. The ministry also pledged to keep the public informed about all relevant developments in the case.