The National Development Agency (NDA) organised the open day of European Union development projects for the second time on 15 June 2013, at which over 60 development projects implemented within the framework of the New Széchenyi Plan were presented to the public nationally, said Nándor Csepreghy, Deputy State Secretary for Development Projects of the Ministry for National Development (MND).

At the press conference held at the Budapest headquarters of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), which was also among the open venues, Nándor Csepreghy emphasised that Hungary had HUF 8200 billion in development funds at its disposal during the development period between 2007 and 2013 and around 14 thousand development projects were launched in the past years thanks to EU funding.

Several of the over 60 venues are usually closed to the public but all sites were opened and could be visited free of charge or at reduced prices on Saturday.

Director General Béla Burány of the National Ambulance Service, founded 65 years ago, emphasised that three major projects were running currently at the ambulance service, which were implemented from a total of nearly HUF 15 billion, and within the framework of which emergency services are being further developed, among others.

Nándor Csepreghy said that the development projects were very concrete and the devopment project open day had been organised for the second time after March so that people could become familiar with them and the objectives behind them, with the slogan: look behind the scenes.

European Union funds are essential for the development of Hungary: 9 out of 10 development projectss implemented within the country are financed by the EU, the Deputy State Secretary pointed out.

He said that several development projects had been completed at the NAS, such as the expansion of the vehicle fleet or the development of the ambulance dispatch system.

Nándor Csepreghy stated that the open day for EU development projects was by now considered a tradition and was organised in order to familiarise the public with the latest developments.

Béla Burány emphasised that the project entitled ‘Developing emergency care’ aimed to develop the ambulance service to 21st century standards.
60 ambulance stations are being modernised, 22 ambulance stations are being built, more training courses are being held and new medical equipments are being purchased, in addition to which 200 new ambulances will be procured, the NAS announced.

The Director General mentioned how important it was for the Service to work with modern and well-equipped ambulances and to have a suitable dispatch system and facilities that use 21st century technology.

(Ministry of National Development)