Montenegro and Spain Sign Health Cooperation Memorandum

The health ministers of Montenegro and Spain signed in New York a Memorandum of cooperation between the two ministries, paving the way for more intensive exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices in key areas of health policy.

The document was signed by Montenegrin minister Vojislav Shimun and Spanish minister Mónica García Gómez, after a bilateral meeting held at Montenegro’s Permanent Mission to the UN, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting discussed strengthening primary health care, the digitalization of healthcare, reducing waiting lists and the sustainable financing of the health system. Shimun stressed that Montenegro is a small country but has a clear ambition to build a strong, modern and sustainable health system, relying on its own capacities and on the exchange of knowledge with European partners.

He presented the reform through which Montenegro moved years ago from a contribution-based system to financing health protection from general budget revenues — a model Spain also largely applies, which is why the Spanish experience is particularly relevant for Podgorica. Minister García expressed Spain’s readiness to exchange experiences with Montenegro.

A concrete topic of the meeting was also the project to improve the central sterilization system in Montenegrin health institutions, developed with the participation of Spanish companies, as Radio Bijelo Polje reports.