23.03.2023.

€35 million in EU support for Children Hospital Tiršova 2, Serbia – First patients expected in 2026

A record-breaking €35 million grant agreement has been signed between the EU and Serbia for the construction of a new children’s hospital in Belgrade. This outstanding paediatric care facility, called Tiršova 2, will serve Serbia and the wider Western Balkans region.

Covering more than 66,000 m2, the underground and 4 over-ground floorswill boast around 300 beds, modern equipment, and a more efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Overall patient capacity will be increased by 30% - representing an extra 3,700 patients per year. More than 450 non-medical jobs will also be created during the construction and maintenance period.

The Governor of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), Carlo Monticelli, and the Minister for Public Investments of Serbia, Marko Blagojevićsigned the agreement for the €35 million WBIF EU grant.

 


The total cost of the project is estimated at 163 million, including €54 million CEB loan and €73.6 million in beneficiary contribution. This is one of the flagship projects within the social sector of the EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027.

The works on the foundations of the Tiršova 2 hospital are already completed and the construction of the new building should begin by the end of spring for a period of three years. The first new patients are expected to be admitted by the end of 2026.

Tiršova hospital will be at the cutting-edge of medical science, equipped with more sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment and employing  safer and more precise surgical technologiesThe new hospital will provide better health care for patients, whether hospitalised or in ambulatory diagnostic and care. New fields of therapeutic diagnosis and treatment will be available, along with high-class research  and teaching facilities for medical staff and  students.

Families of hospitalised  patients who are not living in Belgrade, in particular from low-income backgrounds, will be able to use the family accommodation options. All physical spaces will, in addition, be accessible by persons with disabilities. Healthcare services for young patients in Serbia will be in line with European standards and will cater to the specific, complex paediatric needs of neighbouring countries.

CEB Governor Monticelli  said: "We are thankful to our EU partners from the WBIF for supporting the project and entrusting the CEB with the management of the grant.

Minister Blagojević said: "The EU donation is one-third of the funds required for the construction of Tiršova 2. The fact that this is the biggest donation that the EU has ever approved for a single project speaks to its quality and importance, but also to Serbia as a partner.
The current University Children's Clinic (UCC) Tiršova admits around 14,000 patients and performs some 6,000 surgeries per year. Together with the Institute for Mother and Child in Belgrade, the UCC provides highly specialised paediatric care for Serbia and neighbouring countries. The UCC is housed in facilities that date back to the 1920sDespite subsequent expansions and renovations, the current building falls short of today’shealth care standards while facing increasing operational and maintenance costs