MEP: KCCG and IJZ receive around 3,1 million euros from EU funds

Around 3,1 million euros will be provided from European Union (EU) funds for the procurement of health equipment for the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG) and the Institute of Public Health (IJZ), the Ministry of European Affairs (MEP) announced.

It is stated that magnetic resonance imaging equipment worth around one million euros will be purchased for the needs of the Croatian Cancer Center, through the LIFEGATE project, which is financed through the Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) - Montenegro Cooperation Program.

It is added that other modern medical equipment will also be purchased, such as high-quality ultrasound examination devices, intravascular ultrasound, and mobile X-ray machines for the Institute of Oncology.

The MEP said that a ceremonial conference was held in Mostar to mark the start of a health project called "LIFEGATE".

"The goal of the LIFEGATE project (Linking International Facilities for Early Detection and Global Access to Treatment and Evaluation) is to reduce mortality from cardiovascular and oncological diseases through optimal implementation of early detection programs and improving treatment," the statement says.

It is stated that the project focuses on two key areas of healthcare - oncology and cardiology, and the total value of the project is 9,53 million euros.

MEPs said that of the total amount, 85 percent represents EU grants.

It is added that the project leader is the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, while the partners are the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, the Clinical Hospital Center Split, the KCCG, the Institute of Public Health of Republika Srpska, the Public Health Institute of Montenegro, and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka.

The Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the MEP of Montenegro, Miloš Marković, emphasized that continued cooperation between health institutions is of key importance for improving health care in the cross-border area, especially in the field of combating malignant and cardiovascular diseases.

He stated that the project will enable better access to modern diagnostic methods and therapies, as well as the exchange of knowledge among healthcare professionals.

"The acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, education programs, and joint research will contribute not only to early detection of the disease and improved treatment, but also to a better quality of life for patients in the cross-border area," added Marković.

He said that in this way, we are jointly demonstrating how EU funds can push boundaries and contribute to a better quality of life.

It is stated that the projects are proof that European integration is not just a phrase, but above all a process that brings concrete benefits to citizens.

LIFEGATE is, as it is added, one of three strategic projects implemented by institutions from three countries within the framework of the Interreg IPA program Croatia - BiH - Montenegro 2021-2027.

MEP said that in addition to LIFEGATE, there is also the INEREP project, aimed at reducing fire risks and improving the capacity of emergency services in the protection and rescue sector, as well as the SATECON project.

The aim of the SATECON project is, as stated, to strengthen agricultural competitiveness in the border area, along with dozens of other joint projects that are underway.