The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark has donated to Montenegro, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, important medical appliances and protective equipment for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, worth around €1 million.
The donation includes 15 defibrillators, 29 patient monitors and large quantities of surgical robes, visors, high-quality protective masks and other pieces of medical supplies and protective equipment.
“I am delighted that Denmark is contributing to Montenegro’s fight against Covid-19. As part of the European family, Montenegro and Denmark have a mutual interest in working together and helping each other. I hope that the Danish donation of emergency equipment to Montenegro again shows how small countries, like Denmark, can act big, and make an impact,” said Danish Ambassador to Montenegro Susanne Shine.
On behalf of the Interior Ministry, as the recipient of the donation, Acting Director General of the Rescue and Protection Directorate Miodrag Bešović remarked that the pandemic has shown all the seriousness and complexity of the medical situation, while also putting in the forefront human solidarity and empathy, as well as cooperation and understanding among countries. “This assistance is a confirmation of such attitude and proof that Montenegro has true friends in its European partners, who have repeatedly demonstrated their readiness to help in these difficult circumstances. Although the situation in Montenegro is currently very stable, it still calls for caution and requires full responsibility in implementing the recommendations of relevant services and authorities. By all means, this donation will help the Montenegrin health system in the fight against the coronavirus, which is why we value this donation even more,” said Bešović.
“On behalf of the entire healthcare system in Montenegro and on behalf of our every patient, I thank the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark for this valuable donation, providing us with 15 Lifepak 20e defibrillators and 29 Comen C90 patient monitors, as well as 75,600 protective surgical robes, 76,800 FFP2 protective masks and 76,800 visors. The Clinical Centre of Montenegro, as the central healthcare institution in Montenegro, has received 12 defibrillators and 20 patient monitors, while the hospitals in Kotor, Berane and Bijelo Polje have each been provided with one defibrillator and three patient monitors. We never consider donations as mere equipment, because their true value is realised only when, thanks to them, patients start to breathe again or are brought back to life. Once again, I extend our gratitude for this generous donation, which is immensely appreciated in Montenegro,” said Dr Ljiljana Radulović, Director of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro.
EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa recalled that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union has continuously demonstrated solidarity with Montenegro. “We provided over EUR 115 million in grants and favourable loans, helping protect medical workers, improve public health care and save thousands of jobs. Whilst the epidemiological situation in Montenegro has improved, we remain committed to providing further support and building resilience of the Montenegrin health system. This delivery of emergency aid by the Danish Government, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is yet another proof that the EU and its Member States stand with Montenegro in good times and bad,” Ambassador Popa noted.
