The spread of COVID-19 has been staggering, causing wide social and economic disruptions globally. It has brought about a situation in which governments operate in the context of radical uncertainty, while also leading to a public health crisis and seriously affecting healthcare systems around the world. Montenegro has been no exception.
Against this background, a decisive and effective emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak was necessary. With more than €3 million the European Union supported the purchase of medical and protective equipment to strengthen the preparedness of Montenegrin healthcare institutions to reduce the severity of the disease and rapidly respond to the spread of coronavirus in the country.
A contract for purchasing necessary equipment for health workers was signed by the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As a result, a total of 100 ventilators, 10 portable and modern X-ray devices, as well as over two million pieces of personal protective equipment (including masks, gloves, surgical caps, protective clothing and goggles) were delivered to Montenegro.
The purchase of such medical equipment has significantly improved the ability of the national health system to protect the lives and health of Montenegrin citizens. Also, it has confirmed that the EU stands with Montenegro in the difficult times of the global battle against coronavirus.