Preventive medical protection in the Armed Forces of Yugoslavia during military conflicts

Some experiences in preventive medical protection in the Armed Forces of the Yugoslav People's Army (Y.P.A.) in the blockade and combat operations in 1991 are presented. In garrisons which were in the total blockade the basic life-needs were threatened and in the same time personnel was exposed to combat operations of enemy forces. Owing to alterness and discipline of the whole staff the basic hygienic measures of health protection were maintained. In units which were engaged in combat operations the hygienic prophylactic measures were conducted based on our doctrinal principles in preventive medical protection. The decrease in the incidence of infectious diseases and lack of epidemics point to the successfully applied protection. The health service provided protection both of people and refugees and also a significant help was extended to the units of the Armed Forces.