Miners Halt Work as Unpaid Health Contributions Spark 175 Million BAM Debt

The Health Insurance Institute of Zenica-Doboj Canton has re-activated a ruling that prevents validation of health insurance booklets for miners in Kakanj, Breza and Zenica, citing unpaid contributions that exceed 175 million BAM. As a result, workers at the Kakanj mine have halted production, demanding an urgent resolution. Employees such as Kenan Mehinagić and Mevludin Gadžun reported inability to receive medical care and medication because their insurance is not recognized.

A prior agreement signed on August 6 with the Institute has not led to payment, and the situation is worse in Zenica where mining has been idle for years. Institute director Ahmed Kasap warned that the debt endangers the health system and called for government action to amend retirement decisions and settle the arrears. Union president Abdel Fazlić urged the Federation government to clarify immediate funding to address the claims.