“The opening of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and the Clinic for Dermatovenerology symbolises our readiness and our shared commitment to progress and care for every citizen of Montenegro,” said the Ambassador of EU to Montenegro Johann Sattler at the ceremonial opening of the newly constructed clinics for infectious diseases and dermatovenerology within the Clinical Centre of Montenegro.

“I am proud that the EU was able to provide financial and technical support to this important project. The construction of the clinics cost €10 million, of which the EU provided 85%. We decided to fund this project during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of strengthening Montenegro’s healthcare system, improving the quality of healthcare services, and increasing resilience to future health risks. During the pandemic, we completed numerous other projects, including the modernisation of laboratories in Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Kotor, Cetinje, Nikšić, Berane, and Bijelo Polje, as well as supporting vaccination efforts,” Ambassador Sattler recalled.

He expressed his belief that the citizens of Montenegro are rightfully aspiring to European standards.

“The EU actively works on the prevention of health issues by setting high standards – from tobacco control to food safety and environmental protection. Given the positive momentum in the EU accession negotiations, I believe this has been an excellent week in that regard. I encourage institutions to intensify their reform efforts, particularly in fulfilling the final benchmarks in the chapters related to healthcare and other areas,” Ambassador Sattler stated.

Thanking all those who participated in the realisation of this valuable project, the EU Ambassador noted that the new facility is a true example of teamwork through which anything can be achieved.

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“We hope that the world will never again experience a health crisis like COVID-19, but the fact remains that resilience and preparation are the best ways to safeguard the future. These clinics symbolise not only our readiness but also our shared commitment to progress and care for every citizen of Montenegro. Therefore, count on us—count on the EU's full support in our joint mission to build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous future for Montenegro and Europe,” said Ambassador Sattler.

“Today, we confirm our promises with action. We demonstrate our dedication, responsibility, and above all, our realistic ambition with another significant step forward for our healthcare system – it is with great joy that we open the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and the Clinic for Dermatovenerology,” said the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić.

The Prime Minister emphasised that a strong state needs projects like this one. He stated that the Government would strive to make all healthcare standards found in EU Member States accessible to all citizens of Montenegro.

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“On behalf of the Government of Montenegro and personally, I express great gratitude to the European Union. Through the IPA programme, they supported the implementation of this project—an immeasurably important one for all citizens of Montenegro,” said the Montenegrin Prime Minister.

Minister of Health Dr Vojislav Šimun said that the construction of this modern clinic demonstrates the Government of Montenegro’s changed approach to the healthcare system, with investment in health now firmly among its top priorities.

“We are laying the foundations for a new approach to healthcare—an approach that places the patient at the centre and provides dignified working conditions for our doctors, medical staff, and all employees. Symbolically, on the day marking the 50th anniversary of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, we complete a major project but also start a new era in our country’s healthcare. Modern clinics, diagnostic centres, and comfortable, well-equipped patient rooms will significantly improve the quality of treatment and reduce recovery time. So, this is not merely an investment in infrastructure but in the future and the health of our nation. The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of having a strong, efficient, and modern healthcare system that can effectively respond to all challenges and needs. This clinic is a direct response to that need,” Dr Šimun stressed.

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He noted that the Ministry of Health and the Government of Montenegro are currently implementing 20 projects with a total value of approximately €145 million.

“We are not alone on this journey. The European Union has been our key partner, allocating nearly €9 million for the construction and equipping of these clinics. This support shows that health is a shared value and that solidarity and cooperation are essential,” said Minister Šimun.

As the country’s largest healthcare institution celebrates fifty years in its current location, Director Dr Aleksandar Radović reflected on the development of the Clinical Centre and the achievements made by generations of Montenegrin doctors. He also presented the current profile of the Clinical Centre as a reference tertiary-level healthcare institution for the entire country and a secondary-level institution for Podgorica, Tuzi, Zeta, Danilovgrad, and Kolašin.

Speaking on the significance of the newly constructed clinics, Dr Radović said that for the first time, the Clinic for Dermatovenerology combines both outpatient and inpatient services under one roof, fully aligned with European healthcare standards. The clinic is equipped with the most modern medical equipment. The inpatient unit has a total of 32 hospital beds, including two isolation rooms and rooms for paediatric patients. Both the outpatient and inpatient units are accessible for people with disabilities. The clinic employs 10 doctors and 12 nurses.

“On the other hand, for the first time since 1974, the Clinic for Infectious Diseases has a new, modern facility. Until now, our colleagues and family members were treated in inadequate conditions at the Kruševac facility. For the first time, the Clinic for Infectious Diseases has its intensive care unit. We have more than doubled the clinic's capacity from 22 beds to 51. The clinic employs 13 infectious disease specialists, four trainees, and 25 nurses and technicians,” said Dr Radović. He added that new infrastructure projects are underway.

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Radović announced that design plans are currently being prepared for a PET-CT scanner and a new Clinic for Haematology. The goal is to complete the final design for the new University Clinical Centre by 2025.

“A competition will be launched for conceptual designs for both existing and new departments within the Institute for Children’s Diseases, including neonatology, paediatrics, a milk bank, and an artificial insemination centre,” announced the Director of the Clinical Centre.

To mark the anniversary, the Clinical Centre has organised an exhibition featuring 50 photographs from 50 years of the institution’s existence, contributed to this occasion by the newspaper Pobjeda.