Delivery of medical services to different national groups during the war: an example from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1991-2000

To investigate the delivery of health services to different ethnic groups in the war and postwar periods in the area of Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The total population, percentages by nationality, and numbers of persons medically or surgically treated at the War and General Hospital of Livno between January 1991 and October 2000 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data from church, military, and local government archives of the Livno region were used. In the prewar period (1991-1995), there had been living approximately 40,000 inhabitants (Croats, 75%; Moslems, 17%; Serbs, 8%) and 685,361 patients were treated (Croats, 46%; Moslems, 33%; Serbs, 21%). In the war period, 1590 patients were treated surgically (Croats, 78.5%; Moslems, 16.8%; Serbs, 4.7%). In the postwar period (1996-2000), surgery was performed for 3217 patients (Croats, 76.8%; Moslems, 19.3%; Serbs, 3.9%). The constant numbers of patients of different nationalities treated during and after the war reveal that the medical staff worked in an ethical and highly professional manner.