The European Union continues to deliver medical equipment for hospitals across Bosnia and Herzegovina and support the efforts of frontline personnel in fighting COVID-19. Today in Sarajevo, Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to BiH and EU Special Representative in BiH handed over equipment worth 900,000 euros, which includes more than 30 tons of protective medical equipment and 40 ECG monitors.
“The EU has proven to be a trusted friend in a time of need by providing substantial quantities of medical assistance to BiH since the beginning of the pandemic. The equipment we are delivering today is going to hospitals across the country. We live in uncertain times, not knowing what the winters months will bring. It is important to build capacities and this is what we are doing today. Also, we have to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of health professionals,” said the Ambassador, adding that in addition to the support for medical institutions, the European Union is focusing on helping the recovery of the economy and SMEs across the country. “Our third form of support is to provide the country with 250 million euros in macro-financial assistance for which we are waiting for negotiations to conclude so that the funds can be transferred to the country,” noted Ambassador Sattler.
Zoran Tegeltija, Prime Minister of the BiH Council of Ministers thanked the European Union and Ambassador Sattler for the continuous and valuable support the European Union has been providing since the start of the pandemic. “The European Union is without a doubt the largest donor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and it is difficult to compare any other assistance to that which we receive from the EU. Our medical workers are preparing for the upcoming period and thanks to support from the EU they will be able to provide the care that citizens need. However, the pandemic will end at some point and then we will need to recover our economy and save jobs. We hope that future support from the EU will be equally good and helpful as that for medical needs and of course even more financially substantial,” remarked Prime Minister Tegeltija.
The European Union has secured 7 million euros for the procurement of highly sophisticated medical equipment for hospitals across the country. Delivery and amounts of equipment are coordinated with the applicable medical institutions so as to respond to actual needs and ensure safer and more efficient patient treatment and protection of medical workers. The delivery of medical support is being implemented in cooperation with UNDP BiH and will continue in the upcoming months.
