The foundation stone for the Sheikha Fatima Children Hospital and Surgical Centre in Pristina was laid here today in presence of Atifete Jahjaga, President of Kosovo; Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Hafsa Abdullah Mohammed Sharif Al Olama, UAE Ambassador to Montenegro and Non-resident Ambassador to Kosovo, and Dr. Maha Tayeseer Barakat, Director-General of the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi.

The hospital is the first of its kind to provide healthcare services to mothers and children in Kosovo through a number of specialised clinics, in addition to emergency medicines and other support sections.

President Jahjaga delivered a speech in which she thanked the leadership and people of the UAE for the continuous support provided to Kosovo throughout the past 16 years. She also praised the generous support given by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to build the hospital.

Al Shamsi said in her speech that the hospital was Sheikha Fatima's gift to the mothers and children of Kosovo, emanating from her belief that healthcare is a key pillar of the community and that healthy mothers means healthy children and better future.

Al Olama said the hospital is considered the largest humanitarian project in Kosovo today.

"This great humanitarian project, launched by Her Highness the Mother of the Nation, re-affirms the pioneering role of women around the world," she added.

Dr. Maha Barakat praised Sheikha Fatima's role in motherhood and childhood care both in the UAE and abroad.

She revealed that the 104-bed hospital will be built on an area of 10,000 square metres. It will be completed by the end of 2017 and is expected to open in 2018.

The UAE delegation visited the existing maternity hospital in Pristina and met with the doctors and staff there.

Source:WAM