Skopje, 21 December - There has been great progress with regard to the development of standards for gynaecology and obstetrics in the country, and congratulations on what you have done for maternal health so far, said today in Skopje renowned UK expert Dr Tahir Mahmood.

Dr Mahmood is visiting our country in the course of the cooperation between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government with the Ministry of Health as part of the joint activities for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in the country.

Dr. Mahmood, a long-time leader of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, had meetings with the representatives of several relevant institutions in this area - the Agency for Quality and Accreditation of Health Institutions, the University Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Skopje, the Clinical Hospital in Tetovo, the Committee for Safe Motherhood, the Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians and others.

At today's meeting in the Safe Motherhood Committee, Dr. Mahmoud presented the section of the UNFPA and the Government project that deals with the preparation and application of the standards for gynaecology and obstetrics in order to standardize and improve the services for mothers.

"The Committee continues devotedly to promote maternal health with the support of the United Nations Agencies," said Committee Chairman Dr. Ana Daneva Markova.

The British expert presented the mandate and opportunities of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, where our country is a member, and its commitment to strengthen this cooperation. The leadership of the Association of Gynecologists also expressed commitment to the opportunities offered by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.