UPDATE: In a shocking development, a doctor has been suspended following the tragic death of 36-year-old Nikola Dabić from Berane, who passed away due to complications linked to a routine colonoscopy. The suspension, confirmed by the Ministry of Health on February 6, 2025, raises serious questions about patient safety and medical accountability.
More than three months after Dabić’s death on November 7, 2025, his family remains in the dark regarding the complete medical documentation and the status of the external commission investigating the incident. The family has been denied access to crucial information about the doctor’s suspension, including the legal grounds and duration of the measure.
The final autopsy report revealed that Dabić died from peritonitis diffusa caused by a perforation of the cecum during the colonoscopy performed at KBC Berane. Disturbingly, he had been discharged just a day earlier despite showing severe symptoms, which included intense abdominal pain and fever.
Dabić’s parents, both healthcare professionals, are alarmed by the implications of their son’s death. They emphasize that if this could happen to a doctor’s child, what does this mean for other patients? The family has pointed out that health inspectors had already identified procedural irregularities but have yet to clarify what actions were taken against the responsible parties.
Documents reveal that on the day of Dabić’s discharge, the attending physician, Dr. Blaža Stijović, failed to document essential details regarding the patient’s condition and treatment. There was no proper report on the abdominal X-ray, and the medical records lacked evidence of therapy administered or any written refusal from the patient regarding hospitalization.
Moreover, the family possesses communication from Dabić indicating he was in excruciating pain, stating, “I can’t even speak from the pain,” just a day before his death. Witnesses confirm he did not request to leave the hospital, contradicting claims made by medical staff.
The health inspector has submitted a factual report to the Ministry of Health for further action, yet the family is still unaware of whether any measures have been implemented regarding the radiological diagnosis or the colonoscopy procedures that led to their son’s demise.
The Ministry has established an external commission to investigate potential professional misconduct, but no updates have been provided to the family on its progress or findings. As the investigation unfolds, the Dabić family continues to seek justice and accountability for their tragic loss.
As this situation develops, many are calling for increased transparency in medical practices and better safeguards for patients. The Dabić family’s heartbreaking experience highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within healthcare institutions to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
