Germany presents gift of 31 ventilators to Slovakia to help patients of Central Military Hospital as act of solidarity in combating pandemic

The Federal Republic of Germany has gifted 31 new ventilators along with accessories to the Central Military Hospital – Faculty Hospital Ružomberok to treat seriously ill COVID-19 patients. Of the 31 ventilators, worth approx. €150,000, 25 ventilators were gifted by the Federal Ministry of Defence and 6 ventilators by the Federal Ministry of Health.

Extending the warmest of thanks to both Federal Ministries for the gift on behalf of Slovakia, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Pulmonary ventilators are a truly indispensable, life-supporting device for patients with serious COVID-19 complications. This is a very valuable gift, because it will help save human lives.“ He noted that this act of solidarity is also proof that the SVK-DEU ties go well over and above the standard scope of bilateral defence and security cooperation, as well as attesting to the high level of our relations in NATO and the EU.

In her statement, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Slovakia, Her Excellency Barbara Wolf said: “Ventilators are crucial for treatment of severe COVID-19 cases. We are happy to provide support in further improving medical services by the Slovak Armed Forces, which demonstrate impressive dedication to fighting the pandemic. Let us cherish our close partnership in the EU and NATO.” Reflecting on the SVK-DEU defence engagement, German Defence Attaché Lt Col Rüdiger Heinrich appreciated the “close, trustful and effective cooperation between the ministries – just like always.”

The medical devices have been delivered to the Office of the SVK Armed Forces Surgeon General by the German Defence Attaché. They are to be handed over to the Central Military Hospital – Faculty Hospital Ružomberok in the coming days.