EU Donates Another Contingent of Medical Equipment - 10 X-Ray Devices

June 23, 2020 - Another contingent of medical equipment comprising ten digital X-rays, donated by the EU, has been delivered to Montenegro. Modern X-ray devices will enable more precise and faster radiographic diagnostics in hospitals in Bar, Nikšć, Berane, Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, as well as in the Clinical Centre of Montenegro - at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, Neurology Clinic, and Institute for Children’s Diseases, Central Intensive Care and Intensive Care Unit. This equipment will ensure long-term increase of hospital capacities in Montenegro, but also more efficient preparation for a possible second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, stated the Government of Montenegro on its official site.

On the occasion of the handover of the equipment, the Head of EU Delegation Union to Montenegro, Ambassador Aivo Orav, stated: 

 

"From the very beginning of the epidemic, the European Union, EU member states and our citizens stand side by side with Montenegro, providing immediate support to the health care workers, as well as long-term support to the health system, economy, enterprises and vulnerable categories of the population affected by this situation. We are grateful to the Montenegrin authorities for responding to the crisis in a responsible and efficient way, but as expected, the virus has returned and we must be more careful than ever. I believe that our donation of ten mobile X-ray machines is very valuable and will enable the public health system to be even better prepared for the second wave of the virus. But, even when the pandemic is over, X-ray machines will remain there, for the benefit of the health of citizens. The health care system of Montenegro needs modernization and long-term investment, which is why the EU intends to finance the construction of two new clinics for infectious diseases and dermato-venereology, within the Clinical Centre of Montenegro."

 

Deputy Prime Minister Milutin Simović thanked the Delegation of the European Union and the UNDP Office in Montenegro for the continued procurement of medical and personal protective equipment, from the European Union project, to support Montenegro in the fight against SARS-CoV-19. "Continuous implementation of this project is another confirmation of solidarity and partnership between the EU and Montenegro in tackling the challenges of preserving health during the pandemic of the novel coronavirus. We will be even more ready to respond to possible new waves of the epidemic and life with the virus by jointly strengthening the capacity of the health system, thus ensuring that additional attention is focused on strong economic recovery and further building the image of Montenegro, as a safe and secure country for all its citizens, businesspeople and investors," said DPM Simović.

 

UNDP Resident Representative for Montenegro Daniela Gašparikova, pointed out that UNDP strives to be a reliable partner to citizens, the state and the international community, as was evidenced by the concrete support that this organisation provides in response to the epidemic, but also in the upcoming recovery process. "Modern X-ray equipment, which we provided thanks to the EU funds, is only a part of our continuous support to Montenegro. The UNDP pays special attention to the long-term strengthening of the health system, in order to preserve the progress already made in human development. Given that the health of the population is a basic precondition for improving the quality of life, we will continue to make efforts in the introduction of digital technologies, which will improve the processes and flow of information in the health sector, primarily in the Clinical Centre of Montenegro. I am convinced that this will provide better health care for patients," Gašparikova concluded.

 

The EU Delegation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro signed in late April, a contract worth EUR 3 million for the purchase of necessary medical equipment and personal protective equipment for health workers. The contract is financed with EU funds, and the procurement is carried out by the UNDP in close cooperation with the competent institutions. In addition to the 10 X-ray machines, this donation enabled the purchase of a total of 100 ventilators and personal protective equipment for medical workers, including: 171,550 surgical masks, 32,800 N95 protective masks, 90,000 surgical gloves, 10,000 surgical shoe covers, 10,000 surgical caps, 10,200 medical goggles, 10,000 waterproof overalls and 10,000 aprons. The total EU support to Montenegro, for the fight against SARS-CoV-2 and mitigating the consequences of the health and economic crisis, amounts to EUR 53 million.

 

Source: Government of Montenegro