Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi and Chief of Macedonian Army (ARM) Staff, Major-General Goranco Koteski, in the attendance of ministry and army officials, formally opened Wednesday ARM's Military Medical Center (MMC).

Minister Besimi said this was another step towards improving the conditions and standards of ARM troops, along with the exceptional significance for their health.

"An army with healthy soldiers is a successful army. Republic of Macedonia can take part in peacekeeping missions, such as the ones in Bosnia&Herzegovina and Afghanistan, having a military medical center in line with NATO standards", he added.

The MMC, which includes the center for training of military personnel, is expected to grow into a regional center for training of troops deployed in peacekeeping missions.

Being a part of the public health system, the MMC will provide healthcare to ARM members, but also preventive and secondary care, as well as consultative activities.

"The MMC also includes the training center for personnel that executes tasks not only in times of peace, but also in state of war", said Major-General Koteski.

MMC Commander, Colonel Andreja Naumovski stressed the center's opening has encircled the transformation of the former Military Hospital, which began in January 2010, resulting in an efficient MMC in line with NATO standards.

"We will provide primary medical and dental care, specialist care and medical support to field activities of ARM units, support to high officials and delegations from the country and abroad, as well as realization of partnership objective over the establishment of Role-2 mobile field hospital for ARM and NATO's medical support", added Naumovski.

The Center is part of the formation structure of the Command for Logistical Support, representing the ARM's carrier of medical care, with the mission of preserving and enhancing health, primarily of ARM members.

Besides the Command, the MMC also includes the Center for Preventive Medicine, Military Clinic, Center for Specialist Consultation Operations, and Center for Medical Training.