Master's programmes in public health sciences in Serbia: Future perspectives

Abstract

Aim This manuscript deals with public health training, research and practice in order to identify the future perspectives and requirements of master's programmes in public health sciences in Serbia. Methods A wide array of documents and websites was analysed. The methods used for data collection were: (1) review of the existing written reports, the relevant legislation and other documents, and (2) Internet searches accessing the websites of the Ministries of Health, Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Serbia as well as websites covering thematic areas in European and global education, research and development. Use has also been made of the results of the European Union projects done in the field of public health in Serbia, particularly the Tempus programme "Postgraduate Studies in Public Health Sciences". Results The most important role in the field of change in public health in Serbia is played by the School of Public Health (SPH) and the Institutes of Public Health (IPH). Although at the managerial level the need for change has been perceived, in general there is not a shared, clear vision of what the change should be and how this should happen. The reorganisation of the IPH in Serbia is greatly needed given their poor present performance and the expectations of the government to reach EU standards and to increase the health status of the Serbian population. The main obstacles are seen to be inappropriate legislation, lack of financial resources and insufficiently trained staff. Three areas with priority for future development have been identified: (1) doctoral programmes in public health and in health policy and management, (2) expansion of continuing and life-long learning in good governance and public health management, and (3) increasing the research base in public health and management. Conclusion The need for a better trained workforce in the fields of public health, health management and health promotion is clearly recognised by public health professionals in Serbia. Therefore, the educational infrastructure should be amended by doctoral programmes and life-long learning schemes, based on intensified public health research.