A newly reconstructed and well-equipped microbiological laboratory has been officially opened at the Kotor Primary Health Care Center. This state-of-the-art facility, funded by the European Union, represents a vital resource for diagnosing infectious diseases and enhancing safety for both healthcare workers and patients.

Minister of Health Dragoslav Šćekić emphasized the importance of such microbiological laboratories as the first line of defense in detecting new cases of infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, food and waterborne infections, and potential bioterrorism incidents.

The total cost of renovating the laboratory and acquiring new equipment at the Kotor Primary Health Care Center exceeds €423,000. The European Union has provided the funding for this project, and it plans to fully equip eight more microbiological laboratories across Montenegro, allocating over €2 million for this purpose. Additional modern laboratories will be established in healthcare centers in Berane, Nikšić, Cetinje, Kotor, Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, as well as the Special Hospital in Brezovik.

These laboratories play a crucial role in controlling and preventing infections within healthcare institutions, contributing to better patient care and the effective management of healthcare-associated infections, Šćekić said.

Minister Šćekić highlighted that the government's priority investments in infrastructure, equipment, and staffing are aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of Montenegro's healthcare system, with projects worth over €50 million currently underway.

The Kotor Primary Health Care Center has received over €230,000 in investments over the past two years, further strengthening its position as a respected healthcare institution in the country. These investments, combined with effective management and dedicated medical staff, have allowed the center to provide high-quality healthcare services comparable to modern European medical centers, the Minister added.

Minister Šćekić assured that the government will continue investing in healthcare institutions across Montenegro to create a high-quality and efficient healthcare system that provides timely medical care to citizens.

Director of the Kotor Primary Health Care Center Igor Kumburović highlighted that the renovated microbiological laboratory now covers nearly 200 square meters, a 40-square-meter increase from its previous size. This expansion, along with the acquisition of valuable medical equipment, aims to ensure that microbiological analyses conducted in Montenegrin laboratories meet the standards of advanced global centers. Kumburović also mentioned that the center is working towards accrediting the microbiological laboratory to guarantee the highest quality in diagnostic procedures.

The Kotor Primary Health Care Center plans to continue modernizing its facilities and acquiring new medical equipment, focusing on improving primary healthcare services. Future plans include the renovation of the Center for Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis (TB) and the procurement of new vehicles for the Home Care Unit. The center is dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare for vulnerable individuals, including the purchase of motion-detection sensors for automatic door opening at ramps for individuals with disabilities.

Kumburović expressed his gratitude to the European Union, the Ministry of Health, Minister Šćekić, and the local government, led by President of the Municipality of Kotor Vladimir Jokić, for their financial support, trust, and continuous assistance in serving the best interests of Kotor's citizens.