Preševo, March 7th 2014 – Swiss Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia Jean-Daniel Ruch visited today the outpatient maternity ward in Preševo, which has been equipped through funding by European Union and Swiss Government through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme (EU PROGRES).

Before this, pregnant women in this region had to go to Vranje, Skoplje, Gnjilane, Prishtina or Kumanovo in order to give birth, because the maternity ward in Preševo wasn’t operational since 1989. Thanks to the support of European Union and Swiss Government through EU PROGRES, the ward is equipped with  ultrasound machine, incubator, steriliser, defibrillator, and other equipment worth €255.000; it is estimated that 400 women will give birth in this facility annually.

„Switzerland supports positive regional changes in Serbia, and quality healthcare services are essential for improving life conditions in underdeveloped parts of the country. I am pleased to see the results of our efforts in person, particularly in the example of this maternity ward,” said Swiss Ambassador Jean-Daniel Ruch.

During his two-day visit to the South of Serbia Ambassador Ruch has met the Head of  Preševo Municipality Ragmi Mustafa, whereas yesterday he spoke to the Head of the Bujanovac Municipality Nagip Arifi and the Head of Albanian National Minority Council Galip Beqiri.

„It it important that all citizens, especially those belonging to the minorities, vote in the elections. Hearing their voice and representing them in the Parliament is essential, because those who do not vote accept the decision of the majority,” said Ambassador Ruch on this occasion. 

The European Union financially supports European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – EU PROGRES – with €14,1 million, Swiss Government supports it with €2,9 million, whilst the Government of the Republic of Serbia participates with €2,5 million. EU PROGRES aims at supporting socio-economic development of 25 municipalities in South and South West of Serbia. More details on the programme can be found on website www.euprogres.org.

For further information, please contact:

Dejan Drobnjak

Communications Manager

European Partnership with Municipalities – EU PROGRES

Mobile: +381 (0) 63 861 4524

E-mail: dejand@unops.org