The European Union has provided €7 million for the procurement of high-quality medical equipment and medical protective equipment to help Bosnia and Herzegovina better fight and successfully overcome the crisis caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. For the needs of Hospitals and other Public Health Institutions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union has so far provided medical equipment, which includes respirators, X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, anaesthesia machines, pulse oximeters, corona virus tests and significant amounts of protective medical equipment.
Continuation of assistance and delivery of over 30 tons of protective medical equipment (gloves, masks, gowns, shoe covers) and 40 ECG monitors started beginning October, when the equipment was delivered to hospitals and public health institutes in Nova Bila, Travnik, Tuzla, Grude, Goražde, Zenica, Tešanj, Mostar, Livno, Bihać, Sanski Most, Brčko and Orašje. The delivery of medical equipment will continue throughout the months of October and November 2020.
EU Ambassador to BiH Johann Sattler stressed: “Friend in need is a friend indeed. The European Union has shown over the last six months that a solidarity is not just a word used in Sunday speeches but that aid is something that needs to be provided continuously. And this is what the EU does this since the beginning of the pandemic. It is very important to provide enough protective equipment so that hospitals in all parts of the country can function smoothly”.
The delivery of medical support that is implemented in cooperation with UNDP BiH, is coordinated with the needs of hospitals, medical institutions and civil protection crisis headquarters in BiH, to respond to real needs. This practice will ensure safe and effective treatment of patients, as well as the protection of medical workers and other employees who are at the front line with COVID 19.
