New Equipment donated by the Swiss Government to the Special Hospital for Orthopedics and Traumatology "St. Erasmus "in Ohrid

With new equipment and renovation The Special Hospital for Orthopedics and Traumatology "St. Erasmus "in Ohrid will grow into a modern center for physical therapy. This was stated by the Minister of Local Self-Government, Goran Milevski during his visit to Ohrid, reminding that it is the only hospital in the Southwest planning region in that area, and also the only health institution specializing in orthopedics and traumatology at the state level.

At the moment, this center is not functioning at full capacity, ie the pool and the part for hydrotherapy are not functioning due to the high costs for heating the pool. As hydrotherapy is a very important part of physical therapy for complete rehabilitation of patients, the project envisages reconstruction of the existing physical therapy pool, with energy efficiency construction works, installation of infrastructure for heating the pool with renewable energy sources, equipping the center for physical therapy with all necessary aids for users / patients and ensured sustainability of the project with proper and proper maintenance of the reconstructed facility. This project is a proof that together with the Swiss government we take care of the citizens through investment in health, explained the Minister.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has provided eight million denars for the project within the development goals of the Southwest Planning Region. According to Milevski, the funds will be aimed at better use and strengthening of available human, material and natural resources, improving the conditions of all citizens through systemic and institutional cooperation for faster rehabilitation, better living and developing mechanisms for social inclusion of vulnerable groups. from the region.

For the director of the hospital Aco Veleski, the project is of great importance, the reconstruction of the pool was necessary, for all patients primarily the postoperative cases, ie their rehabilitation.

The capacity of "St. Erasmus "is 150 beds, but we are reduced due to the pandemic. The planned changes will reduce the time spent in the hospital and the time for rehabilitation of patients, will contribute to the reduction of deformities of growing children who will use physical therapy, which will improve the quality of life in the community for all citizens in the region, including and people with special needs, old and frail people, children in growth and development, says Veleski.

From an environmental point of view, the consumption of electricity is taken into account, by installing 50 solar panels that will achieve electricity savings of up to 50 percent.

The Forum of Communities identified the needs in this region, so this project was needed and ranked first. The project includes three phases that should be realized by April, so we are already working and we are in the first phase, so we expect this part of the hospital to be put into use in the spring, added the director of the Southwest Planning Region, Mirjana Lozanoska.