The Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG), in close cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with the support of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) from Berlin, successfully organized a simulation exercise dedicated to strengthening the hospital's preparedness for responding to emergency situations, KCCG announced today.
As stated in the statement, this is the first simulation exercise of this type ever held at that healthcare facility.
"The exercise aimed to improve the readiness of the KCCG to respond to emergencies, ensure the continuity of essential health services and strengthen coordination in crisis circumstances. The exercise is an integral part of WHO's broader support to strengthening the resilience of the Montenegrin health system," the statement said.
As stated, in his welcoming speech, the Director of the KCCG, Aleksandar Radović, expressed his gratitude to the WHO and the Robert Koch Institute for their support in organizing the exercise, emphasizing its importance for strengthening preparedness capacities and operational readiness to respond to emergencies.
He pointed out that the simulation exercise directly contributes to the implementation of national health priorities. By conducting this simulation exercise and developing the Emergency Management Plan, KCCG makes an immeasurable contribution to the implementation of the Strategy of the Government of Montenegro for Improving Health 2023-2027 and strengthening the capacities of the health system for preparedness and response to emergencies.
"He particularly emphasized the importance of the IPA CARE project, funded by the EU, which enabled the formation of a Medical Emergency Team, composed of staff from the Emergency Medical Service and the KCCG. Through this project, according to Director Dr. Radović, two fully equipped ambulances were purchased, one of which will be made available to the KCCG," the KCCG statement reads.
It is also emphasized that Radović announced the formation of the Emergency Management Plan Implementation Committee, which will be responsible for identifying potential risks and ensuring an adequate level of preparedness for responding to an emergency.
"We are committed to taking all necessary steps to implement the Plan and be ready for the next emergency. Clearly, it is no longer a question of if the next emergency will occur, but when," Radović stressed.
The Head of the WHO Office in Montenegro, Mina Brajović, emphasized that the preparedness of hospitals for emergencies is crucial not only for responding to crises, but also for providing healthcare every day.
"Hospital emergency preparedness means that every person who enters the hospital can count on safe, reliable and high-quality healthcare — in everyday conditions, but also during emergencies," said Dr. Brajović.
She reminded that hospitals are the backbone of a resilient healthcare system. The story of hospital preparedness for an emergency is also a story about universal healthcare and how to build and maintain trust in the healthcare system.
"This simulation exercise is an opportunity to test the system before life puts us to the test. This is an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, identify neuralgic points in the preparedness system, and recalibrate the decision-making system. By investing in the preparedness of hospitals for an emergency, we are investing in a strong healthcare system and preserving the lives of our citizens," Dr. Brajović emphasized.
Brajović praised the leadership of the Director of the KCCG in strengthening health security capacities, emphasizing that his vision and commitment enable the progress of the KCCG in the area of emergency preparedness.
"It is a privilege to be a partner of KCCG and to support the development of the Emergency Management Plan with expertise and finances, especially when the KCCG management's obvious intention is to 'breathe life' into this Plan and ensure its full implementation," added Brajović, expressing hope that KCCG can become a national model of emergency preparedness.
About the simulation exercise and preparedness plan
According to the statement, WHO supported the Clinical Center in developing a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, which represents a structured framework for:
"Ensuring the continuity of essential health services; Protecting patients and staff; Organizing a coordinated response; Effectively managing resources; Strengthening preparedness before emergencies; Supporting rapid decision-making; Returning to normal operations after the crisis."
"Several assessments have indicated the need to strengthen the preparedness of hospitals in Montenegro: The Joint External Evaluation (2019), conducted by the Government of Montenegro with the support of WHO, identified the need for written guidelines, emergency response plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for healthcare institutions," the KCCG statement said.
A hospital safety assessment (21-25 November 2022), conducted by the Ministry of Health and WHO, showed that seven hospitals in Montenegro have low to moderate capacity to maintain essential health services during disasters or public health emergencies.
"Key deficiencies identified include: lack of facility-specific hospital preparedness and response plans, lack of standard operating procedures (SOPs), inadequate emergency equipment and logistics, limited number of trained emergency management personnel, and insufficiently clear and written coordination and communication protocols," it concludes.
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