Every year, around 28 million cataract surgeries are performed worldwide. The fact that this most common medical procedure is now faster, safer and far more comfortable for patients than it once was is due in part to the work of the Slovenian engineer Anton Banko, whose technological innovations permanently changed the field of ophthalmic surgery.
Health is one of the values most highly regarded by the people of Slovenia and, at the same time, a key measure of the country’s progress. This is confirmed by the results: first place in Europe for the effectiveness of cancer screening programmes, one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, and an above-average number of healthy life years compared with the EU average. International reports also show that Slovenia’s healthcare system sets standards in areas such as transplantation and preventive programmes.
At its plenary session, the European Parliament included the My Voice, My Choice initiative for the right to safe and accessible abortion in its report on the Gender Equality Strategy for 2026–2030. Nika Kovač, coordinator of the initiative from the 8 March Institute, sees the Parliament’s decision not merely as symbolic, but as an unequivocal endorsement of their campaign.
Would you know how to help a passerby who collapses on the street and loses consciousness? Or your sister who has a severe allergic reaction at home? What about a friend who suddenly stops breathing while playing football? In moments like these, every second counts, and first aid knowledge saves lives. The biggest mistake is to do nothing. When we help, we give the injured or sick person at least a chance to survive.
Over the past century, Slovenian healthcare and medicine have made remarkable progress – from the first half of the 20th century, when communicable diseases and a lack of healthcare services threatened the population, to the present day, when they can stand alongside the best in the world in many fields. Like all modern healthcare systems, the Slovenian system faces numerous challenges, yet the perseverance, knowledge and dedication of healthcare professionals ensure patients receive high-quality care.
Slovenia has long been recognized for its high-quality healthcare system and outstanding medical achievements. Recently, a team of doctors at the University Medical Centre (UKC) Ljubljana successfully performed a heart transplant on a six-month-old infant—the youngest recipient in the country’s history.
On 6 December, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage confirmed the inscription of midwifery on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With this inscription, UNESCO has recognised midwifery as an important human activity, based on knowledge of the human body and natural and cultural factors, which promotes the well-being of women, babies, children and families.
For several years now, November has been dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of men's health, especially in terms of prevention and early detection of cancer, thanks to the international Movember movement. Experts and representatives of patients' associations are highlighting the importance of preventive screening, as early detection of cancer means a better chance of a cure.
Pink October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the most common form of cancer in women. Experts are calling for breast self-examination at all stages of life.
On 10 May, we celebrate World Move for Health Day, the purpose of which is to promote physical activity and increase the proportion of the population who are physically active. The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) emphasises that physical activity is already an important building block of health in childhood and adolescence.
Dr Uroš Ahčan is a general surgery specialist and a reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery specialist. He is a brilliant surgeon, author of numerous articles and books, a university professor and a world-renowned expert.
Logotherapist from the Stopinje Institute, mag. Martin Lisec on the stigma and distress that people have been experiencing daily for more than half a year when facing and coexisting with the coronavirus and its multifaceted negative effects on individuals and society. The outbreak of coronavirus disease has left a strong mark on all areas of our lives.
