Government delegation visits Igalo Institute

After over 200 days, the account of the Igalo Institute has been unblocked. A delegation from the Government of Montenegro, led by Deputy Prime Minister Srđan Pavićević, visited the institute and met with its management, employees, minority shareholders, and representatives from the Municipality of Herceg Novi.

The Institute's management expressed gratitude to the Government and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić for fulfilling their promises and enabling the Institute to survive.

Deputy Prime Minister Pavićević announced a six-month deadline for developing a comprehensive recovery plan for the Institute. He also thanked minority shareholder Žarko Rakčević for his efforts in saving the Institute.

We hope for a quality study that will include medicine, tourism, and education, forming the foundation for the new Institute, said Pavićević.

Minister of Health Vojislav Šimun emphasised that this is just the first step towards the Institute's recovery, with international experts expected to assist in the upcoming phases.

The Institute has no alternative and holds significant value. We are committed to finding a quality solution, he stated.

Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property Janko Odović highlighted the Government's commitment to the Institute, noting that trust and cooperation are key to success. We have shown that mutual trust is the foundation for a successful future, he said.

Director of the Institute Zoran Kovačević acknowledged the Government and the Prime Minister for their significant efforts in providing legal assistance. He also called for patience from workers, creditors, and suppliers as they await the restructuring plan.

Union President Marija Obradović expressed optimism that the restructuring plan would lead to the Institute's recovery and the return of international patients.

Thanks to the Government and Prime Minister Spajić, we finally see a way forward, she said.

Minority shareholder Žarko Rakčević believes the Institute now has a chance to become a reputable healthcare and tourism institution.

The Institute needs to be elevated to a four-star level and expand its market, Rakčević stated.

The Government of Montenegro and minority shareholder Vile Oliva have each contributed five million euros to unblock the Institute's account, resulting in the payment of two salaries to employees.

The government delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Srđan Pavićević, Prime Minister's Economic Policy Adviser Milena Milović, Health Minister Vojislav Šimun, Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property Janko Odović, and Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Naida Nišić.