US Ambassador to Macedonia Paul Wohlers, Health Minister Nikola Todorov, director of Skopje City Hospital '8 Septemvri' Prof. Dr. Sasho Stojcev and representatives of the US European Command attended Wednesday a ceremony to mark the start of the Hospital's renovation project. 

The project, which will include design and building of two operating rooms, is funded through the US European Command in the amount of $450.000.

"This project will not only improve the quality of medical care for the whole of Macedonia but will also serve to improve the capability and skills of hospital doctors and surgeons," Wohlers said at the ceremony.

In spite of living in time of reduced budgets the US Embassy will continue, in partnership with Macedonia's Government, to donate funds for other healt and educational projects, he said.

Minister Todorov extended gratitude for the donation, aimed, as he said, for one of the pillars of Macedonia's health care - the Skopje City Hospital.

In addition to the regular work, the new ORs will also serve as training facilities for doctors and other medical staff, who are to take part in NATO-led peace missions, Prof. Dr. Stojcev said.