PM Marković hosts WHO Regional Director for Europe: Montenegro is strongly developing health care system

PHOTO: PM Marković hosts WHO Regional Director for Europe Jakab

Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab.

The interlocutors noted the successful cooperation between Montenegro and the WHO and assessed that the National Office of the WHO, established in Montenegro in 2008, is an example of an efficient and successful realization of technical support for a country. In this context, it was pointed out that the WHO has in the period 2016-2017 allocated nearly EUR 500,000 in support to Montenegro, as well as that the priorities of cooperation were agreed, which will be defined by the Cooperation Agreement for 2018/2019.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the visit of Director Jakab to Montenegro, assessing the importance of her presence at today's Ministerial Meeting on the topic of immunization and participation in tomorrow's first session of the National Council for Prevention and Control of Chronic and Non-communicable Diseases in Montenegro.

Informing the Regional Director of the WHO about the achieved results and priorities of the Government, PM Marković pointed out that health care is high on the priority list, which is why budget allocations are being increased for this area. "We strongly develop the health care system by raising the quality of health conditions, better accessibility of health centers and health workforce strengthening," Prime Minister Marković said, stressing that the cooperation with the World Health Organization contributed to achieving these goals.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe welcomed Montenegro's progress in European integration, highlighting the significant results that the integration process has in improving the health care system. Director Jakob especially thanked the Prime Minister for successful inter-agency cooperation in overcoming challenges in the health care system.

PM Marković informed Director Jakob about our policy of protecting the health of the population through additional tax on unhealthy products, such as soft drinks and tobacco and alcoholic products, and pointed to the need to align the policies of the Western Balkan countries on this level, adding that the WHO assistance in coordinating activities would be welcomed.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Health Kenan Hrapović.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO