PM Gruevski: Macedonia to get two modern ophthalmology facilities

Skopje, 26 June 2010 (MIA) - The high standard of healthy and quality life of citizens is one of the most essential needs of each society, with possibilities for continual progress and improvement of services, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at Saturday's cornerstone-laying ceremony of private ophthalmology hospital "Europe" in Skopje settlement Gjorce Petrov.

"This is a big challenge for the Macedonian health sector, where the Government has continually undertaken measures and complex reforms. This is a field where private institutions play a significant role in the improvement of health services to citizens", added Gruevski.

According to announcements, the hospital will be equipped with the most contemporary equipment, having a capacity of 15-20,000 monthly check-ups.

PM Gruevski said the investment is worth about US$ 12 million, with the opening of 85 jobs.

"Such investments and choosing Macedonia as a destination to spread one's business represents an enormous encouragement for the Government to further facilitate economic conditions", he stressed.

Gruevski stated the modern clinics contributed to the development of so-called health tourism.

"Citizens from European countries, where such services are expensive, would pay less for transport and accommodation here. The Government has decided to finance the equipping of the Skopje-based Ophthalmology Clinic, thus Macedonia acquiring one state-owned and another private facilities, which will be of enormous benefit to the country's citizens. We hope the Ophthalmology Clinic will obtain the most contemporary equipment by the year-end or the beginning of 2011", he underlined.