Lučani– Guča is a municipality located in central Serbia and is home to an approximate population of 17,000 residents, spanning an area of around 500 square kilometers. Within this municipality, there are two health centers, one in Lučani, and a separate facility in Guča known as the “stacionar”, or hospital. The “stacionar” facility, which is nearly a century old, comprises 20 beds and primarily serves patients in need of continuous monitoring, medical treatment, and, at times, palliative care.
Over the past 30-40 years, the hospital had deteriorated significantly, facing a range of issues, including crumbling walls, collapsing ceilings, a damaged roof, and dilapidated carpentry. Additionally, the beds and mattresses were in deplorable condition (see photographs before). Consequently, patients were compelled to embark on a challenging 40-kilometer journey to reach Cacak General Hospital, navigating narrow, mountainous roads that posed significant challenges for both patients and their families.
With funding provided by the local municipality and the “Milan Blagojevic” factory, the “stacionar” building underwent a comprehensive reconstruction. However, as is common in Serbia, the budgeting “missed” to include the furniture. During our visit, we confirmed that the facility was entirely devoid of furniture, rendering it non-functional.
Fortunately, the Serbian-American Medical Association extended a generous donation of 20 modern beds, mattresses, and infusion stands, promptly rendering the facility operational. The Serbian American Medical Association’s donation was worth $18,310.90.
In summary, the transformation of the Guča Hospital has metamorphosed it into a modern and comfortable healthcare facility, significantly enhancing healthcare services for the local community of 17,000 inhabitants. Patients will no longer be subjected to the arduous journey to čačak General Hospital, as the improved Guča Hospital is now well-equipped to meet their healthcare needs more effectively. (See photographs after)
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