- The Military Medical Academy is certainly one of the most respected healthcare institutions in our entire system, not only in the military sector, but in the civilian sector as well, and not only in Serbia, but beyond. However, in order to keep it that way, in order to retain great reputation that the MMA enjoys, we must constantly invest in its development and modernisation of its equipment. That is why, for the first time after 30 years, we have completely reconstructed shock rooms, provided absolutely best equipment available on the market and made sure that this space does not lag behind any of the world’s hospitals – Minister of Defence Alekandar Vulin said during his visit to the reconstructed part of the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy of the Military Medical Academy, today.

As the minister of defence emphasised, this is very important for all MMA patients, both military and civilian beneficiaries.

- However, all this would not be enough, and it would not be possible, if we had not made great efforts to recruit staff, to provide better working conditions for the MMA employees. Last year, we recruited more than 400 medical professionals under full-time employment, which has not been done for the last 30 or maybe more years. We have recognised that a worker at the MMA, a doctor, a nurse, that all these people who are taking care of our MMA patients are, in fact, the most important thing and that they must be taken into consideration in the first place – Minister Vulin said.

He emphasised that he was very proud and grateful to all personnel of the MMA and the Military Healthcare Department for reconstructing this Clinic.

- Today we have here the most modern shock room in Serbia. I am very proud of all the employees in the military health care system and I hope that no later than next month we will ensure admission for more than 100 new employees in the military health care system. Every investment in the military health care system pays off, and every investment in military health care system influences the quality of life of everyone, both military and civilian beneficiaries. Every investment in military health care system is an investment in an improved and better quality of life for each of us – Minister Vulin said, adding that the Military Medical Academy has the reputation of one of the most respected institutions in our country when it comes to health care service and that it is a great responsibility to maintain and improve that reputation.

Speaking about the importance of the reconstructed Clinic for this military medical institution, Head of the Surgical Critical Care of the Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, MMA, Lieutenant Colonel  Dr. Ivo Udovičić, pointed out that the renovation lasted about two months, and that it is a great pleasure for all the employees that it looks like this today.

- The Clinic was completely renovated, from the construction part, there was also a structural renovation, and completely new equipment was purchased for 14 patients. In this area, the most severe categories of patients are treated, and these are critically ill patients. They require maximum monitoring and care, and in order for us to have it all, we need to have such modern and sophisticated equipment that monitors more than 100 vital parameters in every patient for 24 hours. What is crucial for these patients is not hours but minutes and seconds, in order to respond in a timely manner – Lt Col Dr. Udovičić said, expressing special gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and the MMA Management for their understanding and assistance.

According to him, apart from comfort for patients, in terms of improved treatment, therapy and care, the renovated shock room provides better working conditions for healthcare professionals.

The renovated Clinic is equipped with modern hospital beds, twin consoles, patient monitors, respirators and switchboard.

The visit also included State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Bojan Jocić, Head of the Military Healthcare Department Brigadier General Uglješa Jovičić, MD, and Head of the Military Medical Academy Colonel Miroslav Vukosavljević, MD.