The residents of Tuzi are set to lose their only state-owned pharmacy next week, which provides essential prescription medications and treatments for serious and rare illnesses. This comes after the bankrupt company “Galenika Crna Gora” notified the health institution “Montefarm” that their lease agreements were terminated.

Last month, the business premises of “Galenika” in Tuzi and Risan, where “Montefarm” has been a tenant for 12 years, were sold to the private company “MK Nova Invest”, which is the secured creditor.

Despite requests from “Montefarm’s” management, MK Nova Invest refused to extend the eviction deadline in Tuzi until an alternative space was found and the necessary permits acquired. They also declined to sell the property to “Montefarm”.

Dragan Milić, the bankruptcy trustee of “Galenika,” stated that he sought an agreement to either extend the lease or facilitate the sale of the premises. However, MK Nova Invest did not provide any comments in response to inquiries from Vijesti yesterday. The 2019 contract between Galenika and Montefarm indicated that the lease would last until the bankruptcy sale.

Notification of Termination Was Received Later.

“Montefarm” confirmed to “Vijesti” that they received a notification via email from “Galenika Crna Gora” on July 3. This letter informed them of the unilateral termination of the lease for the spaces in Tuzi and Risan.

They noted that the pharmacy has been continuously serving the local communities since 2013.

The notification was archived by Galenika on June 30 but only reached Montefarm on July 3, meaning the termination was already in effect by that time. This delay further complicated their ability to respond promptly.

“Upon receiving the lease termination notice, ‘Montefarm’ management reached out to the representatives of ‘MK Nova Invest,’ genuinely wanting to continue renting the space. They acknowledged that these are the only state pharmacies in Tuzi and Risan, and their closure would hinder access to vital medications for many citizens. Unfortunately, our proposal was declined,” stated the response from the institution managed by Aleksandar Bogavac.

“Montefarm” also expressed their willingness to purchase the property they have utilized for public health services for over 12 years, yet received no response to this initiative.

They have been instructed to vacate the Tuzi pharmacy by next week, which they plan to do legally despite the short notice and contradictions. Regarding the Risan pharmacy, they were told that the possibility of extending the lease would be considered.

The Bankruptcy Trustee Pursued an Agreement.

Bankruptcy trustee Dragan Milić mentioned to “Vijesti” that he was keen on extending the lease for a few extra months and had sent a letter to “Montefarm” on June 30.

This letter stated that “Galenika Crna Gora” in bankruptcy was preparing a notarial contract for selling the real estate to facilitate more favorable financial recovery for the secured creditor “MK Nova Invest,” which has taken ownership of the business premises.

These pharmacies are located within the Tuzi Health Center and the Risan Health Station. The letter indicated that the lease agreements would end on June 30.

“To prevent any detrimental consequences to ‘Montefarm’ following the lease termination, based on our previously successful business relationship, I suggest that you reach out to ‘MK Nova Invest’ for any potential continuation of the lease or purchase agreements,” reads Milić’s letter.

“MK Nova Invest” is owned by Miloš Komnenić.

Establishing a New Pharmacy Takes Time.

“Montefarm” indicated that the closure of the Tuzi pharmacy poses a significant threat to pharmaceutical healthcare accessibility in the region.

They highlighted that the state pharmacy is housed within the Tuzi Health Center and has continuously aided thousands of citizens in accessing medications, particularly those on the Health Insurance Fund’s List of Medicines and other specific therapies requiring special prescriptions.

With the pharmacy’s closure, residents will be compelled to travel to Podgorica and nearby cities for various treatments, including medications for rare and serious diseases, further complicating their healthcare journeys.

“Montefarm remains committed to serving the municipality of Tuzi and is already taking proactive steps to open a new pharmacy. However, we emphasize that even if we secure suitable premises meeting all legal and technical requirements quickly, the process of establishing a new pharmacy takes between 8 and 12 months due to complex procedures, equipment, regulatory approvals, and staff organization,” they stated in their response.

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