Swiss Support for Development of South Serbia
07 March 2014, PreševoThe Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Serbia Jean-Daniel Ruch visited today the outpatient maternity ward in Preševo that was equipped with the funds from the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme EU PROGRES.
Pregnant women from this area had to travel to Vranje, Skoplje, Gnjilane, Priština or Kumanovo for the purpose of giving birth because the maternity ward in Preševo was closed in 1989. Owing to the support of the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through EU PROGRES the ultrasound device, incubator, sterilizer, defibrillators and other equipment worth EUR 255,000 was procured. According to estimates, around 400 women may deliver here every year.
“Switzerland supports positive regional changes in Serbia, and good-quality health services are very important for improvement of the living conditions in underdeveloped areas of the country. I am very pleased to see in person the results of our assistance, specifically this maternity ward,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland, Jean-Daniel Ruch.
During his two-day visit to the south of Serbia, Ambassador Ruch met today with Ragmi Mustafa, the Mayor of Preševo municipality. Yesterday he spoke to Nagip Arifi, the Mayor of Bujanovac municipality and Galip Bećiri, Chairman of the Albanian National MinorityCouncil.
“It is important that all citizens vote, especially the minorities. It is significant for their voice to be heard and for them to have their representatives in the Parliament since those who do not vote must accept the majority’s decision,” said Ambassador Ruch on this occasion.