The Herceg Novi Municipality has generously donated a floor X-ray machine valued at nearly 92 thousand euros to Meljine Hospital, as announced by the Ministry of Health.

On this occasion, delegations from the Municipality of Herceg Novi, headed by Mayor Stevan Katić, along with representatives from the Ministry of Health, led by Minister Vojislav Šimun, paid a visit to the Meljine Hospital.

Katić mentioned that the previously used X-ray machine was beyond repair, forcing patients to seek services at the Health Center.

“I am pleased to share that we’ve successfully finalized this process and signed the donation agreement. Now, Meljine Hospital is equipped with a modern and high-quality X-ray machine, which will benefit both citizens of Herceg Novi and the tourists visiting our city,” Katić stated.

He also highlighted that the municipality recently contributed 23 air conditioners to the hospital.

“We are committed to providing further assistance and addressing all matters within our purview, as we are a responsible local administration dedicated to the health of Herceg Novi’s citizens,” Katić added.

Furthermore, Katić confirmed that the Herceg Novi Municipality will continue subsidizing rent for doctors and other understaffed personnel as they have been doing.

Minister Šimun emphasized that donating the X-ray machine to Meljine Hospital serves as tangible proof of effective cooperation between local and national governments, particularly the Ministry of Health, in enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

He pointed out that the Meljine General Hospital is crucial to Montenegro’s healthcare system, especially for the Boka Kotorska region.

“It remains a focal point not only for the state and the Ministry of Health but also for local authorities and the citizenry,” Šimun added.

Currently, he noted, the hospital employs approximately 130 staff members, of which 80 are healthcare professionals.

“Recently, their job security has been solidified with permanent employment, which I believe is especially significant for their future planning,” Šimun remarked.

He assured that the Ministry of Health is also supportive of the management’s efforts at both the Kotor Clinical Hospital Center and the Meljine General Hospital to enhance healthcare service offerings.

Šimun announced that Meljine General Hospital will soon provide specialist services in ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and psychiatry.

“The announcement of as many as eight specializations this year, along with one narrow specialization, reflects our commitment to our staff and our goal to strengthen the institution’s capabilities,” Šimun stated.

He revealed plans for a credit arrangement aiming to invest around 800 thousand euros in new equipment, most notably for a new scanner, by the year’s end.

Šimun also mentioned that the Municipality of Herceg Novi is financing a Feasibility Study for a new hospital in Meljine.

“Such dedicated medical personnel, who persevered through uncertainty while selflessly serving our community, merit improved working conditions, upgraded facilities, and an expanded range of health services,” Šimun remarked.

He expressed hope that the ongoing collaboration with the municipality will ensure quality management of this project.

“I anticipate that we will soon begin the construction of a new hospital for the citizens of Herceg Novi,” Šimun concluded.

Director of the Kotor Clinical Hospital, Davor Kumburović, expressed his gratitude to both the Municipality and the Ministry of Health for their support towards Meljine Hospital.

He reminded attendees that Meljine Hospital became part of the public healthcare system on March 1, 2023, as an organizational division of Kotor Hospital, ensuring its continued operation and enhancing healthcare services.

“There was a time when trust and understanding were lacking, leaving many families in precarious situations,” Kumburović recalled.

He expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made, as Meljine Hospital is now integrated into public healthcare.

“I must acknowledge the Kotor Hospital Center for being the primary support in developing and revitalizing Meljine Hospital, especially regarding staffing,” he noted.

Throughout this period, Kumburović stressed that doctors from Kotor Clinical Hospital Center have consistently been present in the hospital, ready to serve.

“Now we have a fully developed hospital in all aspects, starting with personnel and extending to everything that the Ministry of Health has accomplished in a short timeframe,” Kumburović added.

News