KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response

By Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis, 100th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentApril 23, 2020

KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army laboratory technicians and preventative medicine specialist from Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical examines lab equipment at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory on April 21, 2020, in Pristina (Prishtina). Over the past 20 years, KFOR TF-MED has worked alongside many public health institutes throughout Kosovo to increase the healthcare capabilities within the region. The united KFOR and local COVID response have led to the management of the virus within the region and mutual assimilation of procedures toward a mutual goal to protect the health of the population in Kosovo. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis) VIEW ORIGINAL
KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army medical professionals from Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical visits the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory to enhance Kosovo COVID-19 capabilities and response April 21, 2020, in Pristina (Prishtina). TF-MED is the primary COVID-19 testing facility for RC-E and is working with the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, the designated Kosovo COVID-19 hospital, to mitigate and manage the pandemic for both KFOR personnel and the people in Kosovo. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis) VIEW ORIGINAL
KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army medical staff from Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical meet with lab technicians at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory to enhance Kosovo COVID-19 capabilities and response April 21, 2020, in Pristina (Prishtina). The global pandemic has caused a deficit in medical equipment and transportation operations that have hindered the medical capabilities of both KFOR RC-E and Kosovo medical facilities. The 20-year-long partnership between KFOR and the public institutions of Kosovo has proven strong as they continue to work toward a healthy Kosovo. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis) VIEW ORIGINAL
KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army laboratory technician Spc. Shelby Yonkoski of Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical examines lab equipment at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory on April 21, 2020, in Pristina (Prishtina). Over the past 20 years, KFOR TF-MED has worked alongside many public health institutes throughout Kosovo to increase the healthcare capabilities within the region. The united KFOR and local COVID response have led to the management of the virus within the region and mutual assimilation of procedures toward a mutual goal to protect the health of the population in Kosovo. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis) VIEW ORIGINAL
KFOR RC-E works with local hospital to increase COVID response
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army medical professionals from Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical visits the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory to enhance Kosovo COVID-19 capabilities and response April 21, 2020, in Pristina (Prishtina). TF-MED is the primary COVID-19 testing facility for RC-E and is working with the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, the designated Kosovo COVID-19 hospital, to mitigate and manage the pandemic for both KFOR personnel and the people in Kosovo. (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Amberlee Boverhuis) VIEW ORIGINAL

PRISTINA, Kosovo – Kosovo Force Regional Command East Task Force Medical visits the University Clinical Center of Kosovo laboratory to enhance Kosovo COVID-19 capabilities and response April 21 in Pristina (Prishtina).

TF-MED is KFOR RC-E’s primary COVID-19 testing facility and is working with the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, a public institute in Kosovo and the designated COVID-19 hospital for the region, to mitigate and manage the pandemic for both KFOR personnel and the people in Kosovo.

“Today’s mission is to evaluate the clinic's resources and capabilities,” said Col. Paresh Patel, KFOR RC-E Medical Director. “We also want to know how we can assist in the fight against COVID and making sure the people of Kosovo are taken care of.”

Over the past 20 years KFOR TF-MED has worked alongside many public health institutes throughout Kosovo.

“In the past, we [KFOR] have gone to Spitali Amerikan and other hospitals to teach,” said Patel. “Due to the COVID pandemic, we haven’t been able to maintain that but we have increased our collaboration and coordination in the fight against the virus.”

The global pandemic has also caused a deficit in medical equipment and transportation operations that have hindered the medical capabilities of both KFOR RC-E and Kosovo medical facilities.

“University Clinical Center has been very accommodating in providing testing capabilities,” said Patel. “We currently can only test eight to 19 tests a day, while they can run more than 300 tests a day. In return KFOR wants to provide equipment, like personal protective equipment, to assist them in their daily operations.”

The united KFOR and local COVID response has led to a management of the virus within the region and a mutual assimilation of procedures.

“There are many different testing procedures and each country has its own approach,” said Patel. We follow DOD and NATO guidance when it comes to managing our KFOR personnel. Kosovo has taken an aggressive COVID approach. Through our combined efforts we have been able to manage the virus to the best of our ability.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested Kosovo’s and KFOR’s resilience, however, the established partnerships have proven their adaptability and are continuing to work toward a healthy Kosovo.

“This fight is one that we have to do together,” said Patel. “We all have the same mission, the health and welfare of the whole population. Doctors are united in their Hippocratic oath to take care of everyone, everywhere, so it's a natural partnership that we will utilize to ensure the safety and security of all communities in Kosovo.”

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