Skopje, 19 December 2023 (MIA) — After the government in August approved a proposal of the Ministry of Health to procure 22 modern and fully equipped ambulance vehicles with budget money over the next few years, a call for tenders has been published on the Electronic Public Procurement System, the Ministry of Health said in a press release.

"Most of the vehicles currently at the disposal of the institutions are old and outdated, with more than the maximum techical mileage, and amortized," the release cites as the reason for the proposal.

According to Health Minister Fatmir Mexhiti, this would be the most significant procurement since the country's public health care system was founded.

"We are procuring 22 new ambulance vehicles, the largest emergency care procurement in history. The procurement of the vehicles and their modern equipment will make it possible to perform medical interventions that stabilize the patient's condition and start initial treatment depending on the type of injury," Mexhiti is quoted as saying in the release.

Interested vendors may send their bids for consideration until Jan. 5, 2024, the release adds. mr/