Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A View from Serbia
Having a stroke is not just an instant disaster. The real process begins after leaving the hospital. In Serbia, this process is carried out as best as possible within the available means.
Rehabilitation is very important for a stroke survivor to hold on to life again. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychological support… All of these form a whole.
State hospitals are open to everyone and provide basic services to many people. However, due to high demand, it can be difficult to allocate sufficient time to everyone at the same time. Still, the presence of the state in this matter is commendable.
Private centers (like Perikle) offer more individualized attention. The professionals working in these centers truly work with dedication. Goran is grateful to have found a physiotherapist like Jovana Tankošić at the Perikle Center. However, not everyone may have the same access to private centers.
In smaller settlements (like Plandište), there may be no rehabilitation center. In such cases, people have to travel to the city center. Public transportation could be made more disability-friendly.
Goran’s suggestion:
Rehabilitation services could be made more widespread. The state could collaborate with private centers to offer more affordable programs. Making life easier for people with disabilities is the responsibility of all of us.
This is not a luxury, it is a human right. And Serbia is making progress in this regard.