Enhanced healthcare services with EU support

The process of European integration fosters the development of all societal spheres, with essential assistance in necessary healthcare system reforms being of paramount importance. These benefits, which our citizens will feel and wish to see, were emphasised by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić during a meeting with European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides.

The discussion highlighted that improvements in the healthcare system are a focal point for the Ministry of Health, and in this regard, support from the European Union is significant. More efficient use of budgetary funds allocated for healthcare will aid in the better functioning of the entire system.

Participation in the EU4Health programme, valued at €5.3 billion and launched by the EU to strengthen healthcare systems across Europe, was underscored as a crucial step towards providing better healthcare services to the citizens of Montenegro.

During the meeting, it was acknowledged that the pandemic underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts in the field of healthcare, which is now a priority for the EU.

This is also an opportunity for Montenegro to address challenges shared with other European countries, particularly in the procurement of medicines.

It was a pleasure to discuss our cooperation in the areas of health and food safety with Prime Minister Spajić. I hope that the ties between the EU and Montenegro will strengthen throughout the ongoing accession process. It is crucial to continue with the necessary reforms, and the European Commission will stand by Montenegro in this process. I am pleased to see Montenegro once again as the front-runner in EU integration, stated Commissioner Kyriakides.

Discussions also touched upon the digitalization of the healthcare system, with Minister of Health Vojislav Šimun presenting the steps taken in this regard.

Additionally, there was dialogue about the potential for developing medical tourism, and the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for the EU’s support, both in expertise and donations.

In conclusion, it was noted that it is crucial for Montenegro to reach the European level of food control in the near future.