After the first twenty-one containers for triage and emergency care of patients, potentially infected with COVID-19, installed last week in fifteen healthcare institutions, mostly in Belgrade, more are being installed across Serbia
These containers, each fitted with a bed for examination, table with two chairs, contactless thermometer, smaller containers for medical and infectious waste and a waste bin, constitute an important role in the overall fight against a pandemic as they allow the triage of patients while preventing the access of potentially infected persons to health care facilities.
“In cooperation with the EU Delegation and UNOPS, the Ministry of European Integration continues to procure the most necessary equipment to ensure efficient and safe triage of patients, preventing further spread of infection in healthcare facilities and protecting doctors and medical professionals who bear the brunt of the fight against COVID- 19. Triage containers are part of the total ambulance package for which the EU has committed € 15 million from which masks, thermometers were purchased, and we expect respirators, fans, monitors and other medical equipment in the coming period,” said the Minister for European Integration and National IPA Coordinator Jadranka Joksimovic.
The purchase and installation of 100 containers is part of the EU € 4.9 million aid package, signed on April 3rd by Ambassador Fabrizi with Minister Joksimovic and the Head of UNOPS in Serbia Michaela Telatin. This donation is allocated for the procurement of a wide range of essential medical equipment, including ventilators, laboratory equipment and tests, containers, intensive care monitors, contactless thermometers and protective equipment, which are being delivered across Serbia throughout April and May.
“I am happy and proud to see these containers being installed across Serbia, from Bujanovac to Senta, from Belgrade to Negotin because effective triage plays a key factor in preventing the spread of coronavirus. Healthcare workers, who are in the front lines, must be protected, so they can also help all of us. Together with 800.000 protective masks for medical personnel that arrived on Saturday 18 April, the installation of containers also helps medical personnel to respond to the crisis with the least risk for themselves.
I am also pleased that all the containers are being produced in Serbia, with support of EU funds. This reduces greatly the time of installation and supports the local economy and job protection.
Together with the immediate health assistance worth 15 million euros, economy and jobs protection is the other key area where the EU has announced substantial funds for Serbia. An initial 78 million euros donation is being allocated for economic recovery measures in Serbia”, said ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.
The procurement of containers and medical equipment is being carried out by the United Nations Office for Project Services – UNOPS, which has launched an emergency procurement mechanism globally as a result of the pandemic.
“We are very pleased to be able to support the European Union in the procurement of necessary equipment and the Government of Serbia in the fight against the pandemic. We are working hard to enable priority equipment, which will provide good medical care, but also save lives, reach health institutions in Serbia and its citizens”, said Head of UNOPS in Serbia Michaela Telatin.