Head of the Delegation of the European Union and EU Special Representative in BiH Ambassador Johann Sattler delivered medical equipment to hospitals in Mostar and Trebinje, as part of ongoing EU assistance to save lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina and help medical professionals across the country improve patient care.
“The aid we have been giving in these very difficult last three months is to help the health sector and that is what we are doing today. The assistance package worth €7 million is for equipment to fight the crisis, and the second, equally important is to help the most affected businesses which is especially relevant for the tourism sector here in Herzegovina. Apart from the assistance, it is very important for us to show that we consider you a future part of the EU, “ said Ambassador Sattler.
Ambassador Sattler underlined the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in different assistance programmes the European Union initiated to ensure a rapid and efficient response to the crisis, such as the green lines initiatives and the agreement on procurement of medical equipment, exemplifying EU solidarity especially in moments of crisis.
Nevenko Herceg, Prime Minister of Hercegovina-Neretva Canton thanked the European Union for the continued support to the Canton and the region’s hospital and medical professionals. “The European Union is our most loyal partner and we can see that through various assistance programmes. The European Union is helping our medical professionals and our economy to recover,” noted Prime Minister Herceg.
The equipment was received by Mostar hospital Director Professor Dr. Ante Kvesić and Dr. Zoran Karlović who pointed at the importance of quality of four new ventilators which will enable better patient care. In addition, delivery of 20 new ultrasound machines the EU procured for hospitals across the country stared today.
In Trebinje, Ambassador Sattler delivered two ventilators and an X-Ray machine to the hospital together with the Republika Srpska Health Minister Alen Šeranić. “We have been working together with the European Union for several months to equip hospitals all over the Republika Srpska. We hope to equip all hospitals with a mobile X-Ray machine, like the one the hospital in Trebinje is receiving today. Such a machine will help our medical professionals treat patients efficiently,” noted Minister Šeranić.
On behalf of the citizens of East Herzegovina and Trebinje hospital staff, Dr. Stanko Buha thanked for the valuable donation and the support they have been receiving. “We are ready to take care of seriously ill patients, but I urge the citizens to be responsible,” said Dr. Buha.
During his first official visit to Trebinje, Ambassador Sattler met with representatives of youth organizations and non-governmental organizations implementing EU-funded projects and supporting the development of culture and tourism of the region.
