On Thursday, 28 November 2024, Professor Dr. Dragan Milić, FACS, Director of the Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, and his professional staff at the University Hospital in Niš, Serbia, dedicated the Videoendoscopic Center Brigham Young, together with humanitarian representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The United States Military donated the heart/lung machine and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated the videoendoscopic machine, along with the most modern medical surgical tools. These donations will enable cardiac surgeons to work with state-of-the-art equipment as they perform minimally invasive procedures.
Turning to Davide R. Lotito, the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Regional Manager, Milić said, “This is also your clinic now. You are always welcome, as well as your friends.”
During the dedication ceremony, Milić expressed appreciation for the generosity of the United States Military and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for helping modernise this clinic. The dedication took place on America’s Thanksgiving Day, which Milić noted was “the appropriate day to say thank you to America, where there is a legacy of giving.”
“Society is like the human body,” said Milić. “When the human body starts to develop malignant cells, the organism dies. The same is true with society and families. It is important that we help people. God provides us with many ways to help those in need.” The Niš clinic will be a significant resource for the people in this part of Europe.
The Videoendoscopic Center bears the name of an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young. Milić said that “President Young was strong and vital for the survival of the Church when the pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley” in the U.S. state of Utah in1847. Milić and his cardiac surgical team are pioneers in their field, advancing the best and most modern cardiovascular and transplant medical care.
Humanitarian efforts are an important part of the Church’s focus on following the example of Jesus Christ by caring for those in need. The Church annually supports hundreds of projects around the world in ways that help, lift, and show love to God’s children.