The VMA is the largest hospital in Serbia with a usable space of around 180,000 m² and one of the largest in Europe, known for its high standard of medical practice. As a tertiary care facility, the VMA is also a teaching hospital for the medical faculty of Belgrade University and one of the major research institutions in the country. Originally intended for the treatment of officers and soldiers, the majority of VMA’s patients are presently civilians.
Operational since 1982, the hospital building and technical equipment are no longer up-to-date and do not meet existing energy efficiency standards. The envisaged reconstruction works entail installing new insulation, renovating the roof, overhauling the exterior façade and windows, as well as constructing new rooms and sanitary facilities. The electrical wiring, and the heating and cooling system will also be replaced. This will make hospital operations run more smoothly, save energy and water, and thus lower maintenance costs in the long run. In addition, the working environment for the medical staff will be improved, as well as the overall comfort for patients.
WBIF has provided a €5 million technical assistance grant to support the preparation and implementation of an investment that is considered highly complex, requiring numerous different fields of expertise and specialised hospital project management skills. Therefore, a Project Management Office (PMO) will be established for the further preparation, project management, coordination and supervision of works, supplies and services.
Rehabilitation of the VMA hospital has been identified as Flagship "Renovation Wave" within the Investment Window "Clean Energy" as identified in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. Renovating public and private buildings to meet minimum energy performance standards can significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improvement in the living standard and public health.