UNICEF delivers respirators and flowmeters to health facilities

Today, UNICEF delivered the first four of a total of 50 respirators purchased for health care institutions in Serbia. Two respirators were delivered to the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital and Clinical Centre, and one each was given to the University Children’s Clinic in Tiršova Street and the Mother and Child Institute.

UNICEF Director in Serbia Regina de Dominicis personally handed over the respirators to the Minister of Health, Dr Zlatibor Lončar, at the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital.

“UNICEF has abundant experience in responding to crises and providing the necessary assistance when it is most needed. We have the biggest humanitarian aid warehouse in the world, with a network of more than 1,000 medical suppliers, long-standing partnerships and a large number of people who support us. The purchase of 50 top quality respirators and other medical equipment for the health care system would not be possible without the support of the private sector in Serbia and UNICEF Ambassador to Serbia, Ana Ivanović. The private sector in Serbia has shown great solidarity and is one of only five in the world that responded quickly to UNICEF’s appeal in the fight against COVID-19,” said Regina De Dominicis.

The Minister of Health, Dr Zlatibor Lončar, thanked UNICEF for the donation: “I would like to express huge gratitude to UNICEF for deciding to donate to Serbia and our health care system. This is the first delivery of a total of 50 respirators that will be in Serbia by the end of May, and their value stands at over a million dollars. The first 4 devices arrived today. Two will go the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital, and one device goes to the Mother and Child Institute and the children’s hospital in Tiršova Street. These are the latest generation respirators which can be used both for invasive and non-invasive therapy on children and adults alike. We have been working with UNICEF on immunization and other projects, which you will be informed about in due time. I am grateful for the good cooperation and partnership with the entire UNICEF team. “

Director of the Bežanijska Kosa Hospital, Dr Marija Zdravković also thanked UNICEF: “This is a great day for our hospital, and the importance of this donation is evidenced by the fact that it comes from UNICEF, a global organization that monitors the worldwide health situation. I would like to extend gratitude on behalf of all our patients, past and future, and on behalf of all employees to UNICEF for recognizing the needs of our country and this hospital.”

Evita Infinity V500 respirators, purchased from the German manufacturer Dreager, can be used on both children and adults, and are compatible with the needs of the health care system in Serbia. The following are the companies and UNICEF ambassadors whose donations enabled the purchase of 50 respirators – PhiAcademy, Nordeus, Vojvodjanska Banka, Raiffeisenbank, I&F McCann Group, Petite Geneve Petrović doo, Mol Serbia, Continental Automotive Serbia, Recyclers Association of Serbia, EXLRT, Execom doo, Kalemegdan Development, Prozone doo, Eko Hellenic, Vega IT Sourcing, Schneider Electric DMS NS LLC Novi Sad, Multikom, Telegroup and UNICEF National Ambassador Ana Ivanović.

Last week, UNICEF delivered 20 flowmeters to the Zemun Hospital and Clinical Centre, the Zvezdara Hospital and Clinical Centre, the Banjica Institute for Orthopedic and Surgical Diseases and the Vojvodina Clinical Centre. Ten flow meters were delivered to the Dragisa Mišović Clinical Centre in mid-April. The next delivery of respirators is expected to take place in mid-May and will be distributed in accordance with the needs of health institutions.

Hear the addressing of Director of KBC Bežanijska kosa, doc. Dr. Marija Zdravković, UNICEF Serbia Director Regina de Dominicis and Minister of Health of Serbia, Dr. Zlatibor Lončar: