Please note: The page below represents the archived content relating to the previous Government of Montenegro. Some of the information might be inaccurate or outdated.
Archive

EU donation: 86 ventilators and over 235.000 pieces of personal protective equipment

Published on: Jul 28, 2020 • 7:35 PM Author: PR Service
Podgorica, Montenegro (28 July 2020) -- The fourth contingent of medical equipment, which includes 86 ventilators and over 235,000 pieces of personal protective equipment for the needs of the health system, was delivered to Montenegro. A donation is part of the European Union's project for emergency support to Montenegro in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, in a total value of EUR 3 million, which is implemented by the Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro. Since the beginning of the project, from April until today, a total of 100 hospital ventilators, 10 modern X-ray devices and over 400,000 pieces of personal protective equipment, including surgical masks, surgical gloves, surgical caps, waterproof overalls, surgical aprons, medical goggles, surgical shoe covers, etc. have been delivered. 

On the occasion of the handover of the equipment, Head of EU Delegation to Montenegro, Ambassador Aivo Orav pointed out that the donation arrived just in time, when Montenegro is facing the second wave of the epidemic. "Ventilators will significantly improve the capacities of the Montenegrin health system, in order to save lives of the most endangered patients. However, I sincerely hope that each of them will not necessarily be in use." Ambassador Orav recalled that the EU had provided EUR 50 million in long-term support for health, economic recovery, entrepreneurship and business, as well as other sectors affected by the crisis. "We have provided an additional EUR 60 million for loans on extremely favourable terms, with the aim of supporting the economic stability of the country. We also plan to build two new, within the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, for infectious diseases and dermato - venereology. The scope of our support for Montenegro, in periods when all EU member states are affected by the crisis caused by the pandemic, is a clear proof of the sincerity and strength of our partnership. Montenegro can count on the support of the EU and its citizens, both in good and difficult times!"- Ambassador Orav concluded.

Deputy Prime Minister Milutin Simović emphasised that Montenegro, as well as many countries, continues to withstand the challenge of the Covid-19 epidemic. ''Our belief in final success is based on the shared responsibility and the contribution of all – from the competent institutions to each individual who, by respecting the measures, gives its contribution. Our optimism has been strengthened by strong support, solidarity and partnership with our ally and friend - the European Union, which has donated 86 new ventilators and 235,000 pieces of protective equipment.

This is the support of a united, strong and determined Europe and all its citizens, who see Montenegro as their friend and future member," DPM Simović pointed out. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his view that this valuable support will be an additional motivation for raising responsibility, togetherness and respect for the measures adopted for the benefit of the health of all citizens. "We have already shown once how to win this challenge. May we show it again," said DPM Simović and thanked the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, Ambassador Orav and the UNDP Office for the implementation of this project. 

Miodrag Dragišić, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative in Montenegro pointed out that no matter how much the pandemic shook the whole world, it also showed how important the spirit of unity and action with joint forces is, in order to overcome challenges and mitigate negative effects. "This is also supported by today's event. This is the fourth delivery of medical equipment, as well as a confirmation of solidarity and a strong partnership between the Delegation of the European Union, the Government of Montenegro and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He added that this is only a part of the continued support that the UNDP provides to Montenegro, in a response to an epidemic. "We will pay special attention to the long-term strengthening of the capacity of the health system, through the process of digitalisation, in order to ensure the highest quality health care for citizens, and enable medical staff to provide health services faster and more efficiently." In addition, the UNDP will continue to provide support in the part of the socio-economic recovery that is yet to come, primarily guided by the concept of development tailored to man, especially when it comes to the most vulnerable categories of society," said Dragišić.

Head of the Crisis Medical Staff, Dr. Ranko Lazović thanked the EU Delegation for the donation and reminded that out of 86 ventilators that had just been delivered, in addition to the 14 previously delivered, the EU donated a total of 100 ventilators to Montenegro. "Until today, we have 322 respirators in the Montenegrin health system, which is more than enough for the most difficult scenario, which we believe will not happen. These are devices of the most modern generation, with technical performance of the best European brands," Dr. Lazović pointed out and confirmed that the donation of these ventilators will fully supply the health system in the most important segment of equipment needed to fight COVID 19. "Finally, I want to emphasize that in all this, we need the help of our citizens in terms of self-discipline, personal responsibility and the use of personal protective equipment," Lazović concluded.

The Delegation of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Montenegro signed in early April, a contract worth EUR 3 million for the purchase of necessary medical equipment and personal protective equipment for the needs of health system. The contract is financed from the EU funds, and the procurement is carried out by UNDP in close cooperation with the competent institutions. 

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC POLICY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM 
DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO MONTENEGRO 
UNDP OFFICE IN MONTENEGRO 



Related articles:

Parliament to decide on disposal of state property Mar 28, 2025
Press release from the Office of the Prime Minister Mar 28, 2025
Press release from the 74th Cabinet session Mar 27, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović meets with Swiss Ambassador Anne Lugon-Moulin Mar 27, 2025
Is this page useful?