After a month, the outgoing Government approved 700.000 euros to "Montefarma" for the purchase of flu vaccine and protective equipment, instead of 1,64 million, which was requested by that institution for the needs of public health institutions.
"Montefarm" told "Vijesta" yesterday that since the beginning of the outbreak of the coronavirus, they have been procuring and distributing personal protective equipment and that all donations were directed to the address of that pharmacy, from whose warehouse they were distributed according to the decisions of the National Coordination Body (NCT) for infectious diseases and Crisis Medical Staff...
"After the worsening of the epidemiological situation in the autumn months, we, as the responsible institution, based on previous experience, assessed the consumed quantities of personal protective equipment and disinfectants and determined that it is necessary to replenish the supplies in order for the health system to respond to the very complex current situation with covid- 19. At the same time, we were asked to procure additional quantities of seasonal flu vaccine, in accordance with the great response of citizens. Please note, this year our warehouse delivered 31.000 doses, which were purchased based on the assessment of the Institute for Public Health and health centers, which is about 40 percent more than last year," the institution's response reads.
They recalled that they were looking for five million non-sterile gloves, 400.000 pairs of surgical gloves, and 200.000 pieces of disposable waterproof protective suits and coats.
"The letter sent to the address of Montefarm was answered on December 3, and on that occasion funds in the amount of 700.000 euros were approved. In this way, the Ministry of Health tasked Montefarm with an urgent procedure, in accordance with the Law on Public Procurement, to realize the procurement of the missing quantities up to the approved amount", said the institution.
"Vijesti" announced three days ago that the Government and NKT did not respond to the request of "Montefarm" for almost a month to provide money for the urgent procurement of additional quantities of flu vaccine and personal protective equipment for a period of four months, which is why hospitals and health centers forced to purchase them from their own resources.
NKT announced yesterday that the Ministry of Health has given its consent to use the unused funds planned in the budget of the Health Insurance Fund for this year for the purchase of HPV vaccines in the amount of 700.000 euros to purchase the missing quantities of flu vaccines and personal protective equipment for the needs public health institutions.
NKT held its last session yesterday, which was chaired by Kenan Hrapović, outgoing Minister of Health and president of that body.
They assessed that in the past nine months, that body "with timely epidemiological measures and a responsible approach, has succeeded to the greatest extent in preserving the lives and health of citizens, their safety and public order and peace, maintaining and strengthening the health system, organizing the free return of our citizens from abroad and the departure of foreigners from Montenegro, provides and distributes additional necessary medical equipment, organizes cash and goods donations, coordinates budgetary assistance to citizens and the economy in overcoming the consequences of the pandemic, and timely and indiscriminately informs the domestic and foreign public about all aspects of the new coronavirus pandemic in our country".
NKT pointed out that the health system always shows the ability, sustainability and high level of professionalism of health workers, "which can be envied by far more developed and richer countries".
Among other things, they announced that the aid to the economy and citizens to overcome the consequences of the pandemic exceeded 50 million and that NKT provided 280 respirators that are available, as well as that the occupancy of hospital capacities is currently below 60 percent.
"8.153.890,12 euros and 75.971,72 dollars of donations were paid to the account of the National Coordination Body, and 3.069.269,13 euros were spent, while all detailed reports on income and expenses are available to the public. The remaining funds of 5.084.620,99 euros and 75.971,72 dollars are intended for the construction of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases," the announcement reads.
The NKT said yesterday that the last decision before the end of that body's work will preserve the donated money intended for the construction of the Infectious Diseases Clinic, since "the political party URA announced that it intends to start spending the donated and saved money”.
The NKT account was opened during the first wave of the new coronavirus for donations from citizens and businesses, respirators and personal protective equipment, aid packages were bought from the donated money, but the government later decided to use it for the construction of the Infectious Disease Clinic.
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