Crisis Staff of FBiH Dismissed Due to Inefficiency, Procurement of Medical Equipment to Begin

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Fadil Novalić, Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH, stated today that the previous Federal Staff, which consisted of 21 people, was dismissed due to inefficiency and failure to meet set objectives.

"They did not respond to the assigned tasks, especially regarding the procurement of medical equipment for the FBiH. This staff has now been reduced to only seven people, representing the most important bodies involved in the measures to combat the coronavirus," said Novalić.

The staff includes the director of the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, the director of the Federal Police Administration, the director of the FBiH Institute of Public Health, the director of Commodity Reserves, and the Secretary General of the FBiH Red Cross.

"We expect and demand greater efficiency. The Federation is working intensively on collecting data from all municipalities and cantons and we are proceeding with mass procurement of all medical supplies, ventilators, tests, and medical equipment. This will allow us to guarantee a higher level of healthcare for the citizens of the FBiH," said Novalić.

When asked by the media if EP would reduce electricity prices and ensure cheap electricity throughout the day, Novalić stated that EP BiH has already implemented a measure to ensure no one's electricity will be cut off during the crisis.

"Those who can should pay, as this is how our miners are paid, and they are doing valuable work, and I congratulate them," said Novalić. 

Regarding the distribution of funds from the EU, the Prime Minister stated that it would be distributed based on the population.

"I spoke with Ambassador Sattler, and the EC has expanded the aid to 80 million euros, which will include support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Institute of Public Health will distribute funds based on the pandemic, i.e., the number of infected individuals," said Novalić.  

The Prime Minister announced that no item in the Budget will remain the same.

When asked about a moratorium on loans for all individuals, and that banks claim they will decide on the requests.

"We had a meeting with all banks where we agreed to a moratorium for all citizens, except for those who do not wish to stop payments. Tomorrow, at one of these conferences, we will bring a representative from the Banking Agency to clarify whether the client contacts the bank or the bank contacts the client," said Novalić. 

He emphasized that there will be no delay in the payment of pensions and social benefits.