Through the LIFEGATE project, financed under the Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Cooperation Programme, the Clinical Center of Montenegro and the Institute of Public Health will receive approximately €3.1 million for the procurement of medical equipment.
For the needs of the CCM, equipment for magnetic resonance, worth around €1 million, will be procured, as well as other modern medical equipment, such as high-quality devices for ultrasound examinations, intravascular ultrasound, and mobile X-ray machines for the Institute of Oncology.
On the occasion of the start of this strategic healthcare project called “LIFEGATE,” a ceremonial conference was held in Mostar. The goal of the LIFEGATE project (Linking International Facilities for Early Detection and Global Access to Treatment and Evaluation) is to reduce mortality from cardiovascular and oncological diseases through optimal implementation of early detection programs and improvement of treatment.
The project focuses on two key healthcare areas – oncology and cardiology – and the total value of the project is €9.53 million. Of the total amount, 85% represents EU non-refundable funds.
The project lead is the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, while the partners are the Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Clinical Hospital Center Split, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Institute of Public Health of Republika Srpska, Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Banja Luka.
Speaking at the ceremonial conference, the Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, Miloš Marković, emphasized that continuous cooperation between healthcare institutions is of key importance for improving healthcare in the cross-border area, especially in the fight against malignant and cardiovascular diseases.
“The project will enable better access to modern diagnostic methods and therapies, as well as knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals. The procurement of the most modern equipment, educational programs, and joint research will contribute not only to early disease detection and improved treatment but also to a better quality of life for patients in the cross-border area,” emphasized Marković.
He stated that in this way, we jointly show how European Union funds can push boundaries and contribute to a better quality of life. These projects are proof that European integration is not just a phrase but, above all, a process that brings concrete benefits to citizens.
LIFEGATE is one of three strategic projects implemented under the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme by institutions from three countries. In addition to LIFEGATE, there is the INEREP project, aimed at reducing fire risk and improving the capacities of emergency services in the protection and rescue sector, as well as the SATECON project, which aims to strengthen agricultural competitiveness in the cross-border area, along with dozens of other joint projects currently underway.
MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS