Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Romania Serbia

Date of latest update: 2025-09-26

Description

Description (EN):

The project is designed around a solid RO-RS cross-border partnership between the UMFVBT as Lead Applicant and GHSLS as Partner Applicant, aiming at improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life-long learning in the programme’s eligible area, namely in Timis, a Romanian county, and in Podunavski, a district in Serbia. The project addresses punctual common challenges with reference to certain situations in which both partners fail to meet medical students & healthcare providers expectations at present and, therefore, the intervention is required: 1. Lack of coordination between labor market and the educational system; 2. Lack of practical experience and poor focus on vocational education; 3. Poor educational infrastructure. The project`s approach in addressing these common challenges: 1.&2. Exchange of knowledge and best practices are important to address common challenges that both cross-border countries face in the medical education field. Through this project, it is expected that higher education students will acquire professional skills and knowledge, giving them an advantage on the labor market, and, at the same time, the young doctors and nurses will improve their professional competences. 3. Minimally invasive procedures require departments and laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment. The proposed investments will lead, firstly, to improved quality of education, training and lifelong learning. Secondly, long-term, to improved quality of the medical act and of the surgical results, by increasing the patient's safety, quality of postoperative life, lower costs of use per patient, lower energy consumption, eventually leading to unloading current pressure on public units services. The overall objective of the project: To improve equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and life-long learning for 500 users through elaboration of an E-learning platform and joint events for online education; measures for developing highly technical skills and competences for 150 users by participating in hands-on minimally invasive courses and 5 investments in infrastructure and services for technical and vocational training, during project implementation period, 24 months By implementing this project, the expected change to the current situation refer to: - improved quality of the educational system and its connection to the labor market through the development of minimally invasive technical skills; - enhanced cooperation across borders between education providers so that successful actions can be replicated within the programme area; - increased level of investments in health-care development (HR, departments, know-how) on both sides of the eligible area Project main outputs clearly link to Priority 2, SO 2.1, Output Indicator and Result Indicator, as follows: 1. PSO 02 - Investments in education, training and life-long learning services: 5 investments representing 17% of the target value under this call 2. PSR 02 - Annual users of the supported investments in education, training and life-long learning services: 650 medical professionals, including the disadvantaged, representing 36% of the target value under this call, out of which: a) 500 healthcare providers (medical students, residents, specialists, nurses) having access to a free of charge subscription E-learning platform, fully customized according to EduCare needs, for more inclusive and accessible services in education; b) 150 healthcare providers participating in hands-on minimally invasive training courses. It is estimated that during the durability period at least 100 users/annually, 500 in total, will have access to the e-learning platform and 50 users/annually, 250 in total, will benefit from hands-on trainings There are several aspects that make EduCare unique or original, including: - Use of technology: One innovative approach to training in minimally invasive techniques is the use of an e-learning platform. By leveraging technology, it is possible to provide training that is more accessible, cost-effective, and adaptable to individual learning style - Multidisciplinary approach: Another unique aspect is the integration of different disciplines techniques: basic laparoscopic skills, basic endoscopic skills, basic robotic surgery skills, advanced colo-rectal minimally invasive surgery, advanced minimally invasive gynecological surgery, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to training - Knowledge sharing: The project emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing, such as a partnership between an academic institution and a hospital, that help to accelerate the adoption and dissemination of new techniques in minimally invasive surgery - Patient-centered care: EduCare prioritizes patient-centered care, by focusing on improving patient outcomes and reducing complications, distinguishing itself from other projects focused solely on technical training

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first three months of implementation (24 December 2024 – 23 March 2025), the EduCare project consortium, consisting of "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara (LP1) and General Hospital "Sveti Luka" Smederevo (PP2), initiated the first implementation steps foreseen in the Application Form. The reporting period focused on establishing the necessary administrative and operational structures, setting up internal coordination mechanisms, launching procurement and visibility activities, and initiating planning for the main investments and work package activities. The Lead Partner (LP1 – UMFVBT) has undertaken multiple critical preparatory and management tasks to ensure a solid foundation for the project's execution: - The project governance structure was established with the formation of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), composed of key representatives from both project partners. This ensured strategic oversight and inter-institutional coordination from the early stages. - The project team was operationalised with the hiring of essential staff: Project Manager, Financial Manager, and Procurement Manager. Additionally, implementation-specific roles were filled, including the E-learning Medical Expert, Content Coordinator, and two Medical Experts responsible for upcoming training-related activities. Job descriptions and employment contracts were prepared in accordance with legal and institutional standards. - Project planning sessions were held to coordinate WP1 activities. Specific responsibilities were delegated to team members, covering A.1.1 (Purchase and development of the E-learning platform), A.1.2 (Operationalization of the platform), and A.1.3 (Awareness and user registration). - The procurement framework was developed, including the investment list, procurement plan (PAAP), justification notes, and Terms of Reference. Although no contracts were signed during this period by LP1, all preparatory steps were completed to allow a smooth transition to the contracting phase in the next reporting period. - Project visibility and dissemination activities were initiated. Visual identity specifications were developed (posters, banners, stickers for equipment), and the EduCare section was created on the official UMFVBT website. A press release was published to announce the start of the project and inform the general public and relevant stakeholders. - Notification no. 1 was submitted to reflect updates to staff responsibilities and roles, ensuring alignment with the project objectives and improving efficiency. Partner PP2 – GHSLS (General Hospital "Sveti Luka" Smederevo) also made strong progress in aligning its internal processes with the project objectives: - Three internal project team meetings were held, ensuring that all team members understood their roles and responsibilities and that there was a common understanding of the project goals, timelines, and compliance requirements. - One of the most significant achievements during this period was the successful launch of the procurement procedure for IT equipment, required for the implementation of WP1 activities. The hospital applied a single procurement procedure and awarded the contract to Time Computers PR, with a value of 2,113,000 RSD. - The procurement process was finalized and a contract (RORS00302/GHS/TD1) was signed by 24 February 2025, marking the first tangible investment made under the EduCare project. This ensured the timely acquisition of IT infrastructure necessary for the deployment of the E-learning platform in Serbia. - No issues or deviations from the plan were reported by PP2 during this period. All actions were implemented according to schedule and budget. Overall, the two project partners succeeded in completing the foundational management, staffing, coordination, and procurement preparation activities required for the subsequent implementation of work packages. These accomplishments demonstrate the partners' strong administrative capacity and their commitment to ensuring high-quality and compliant project execution. These efforts contribute directly to the realization of the project objectives: enhancing access to specialised training and care for skin and liver conditions in the cross-border area, through a modern, inclusive, and sustainable educational infrastructure.

Project outputs: Investment in an E-learning platform(EN)
Investment in RO Hardware(EN)
Investment in RS Hardware(EN)
RO Medical equipment and supplies(EN)
RS Medical equipment and supplies(EN)

Thematic information

Health and social services Scientific cooperation Education and training

Priority: (VI-A_RO-SR_2) Social and economic development

Priority specific objective: RSO4.2. Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 149 Support for primary to secondary education (excluding infrastructure)

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Universitatea de Medicină și Farmacie "Victor Babeș" din Timișoara

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997902051

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4269215 | 4269215 | N/A (EN)

Department: Surgery II

Address: Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timișoara, Romania

Department address: Liviu Rebreanu Blvd., 300723 Timișoara, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.umft.ro/

Total budget: EUR 1 337 673.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 137 022.22

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 200 650.98

Contractors:

Name: S.C. ALTEX ROMANIA S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO2864518
Name: FANPLACE IT SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO31962960

Opšta bolnica "Sveti Luka" - Smederevo

Name: Opšta bolnica "Sveti Luka" - Smederevo

Department: Surgery

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SR107163198 | 17820222 | N/A (EN)

Address: Kneza Mihajla, 11300 Smederevo, Serbia

Department address: Kneza Mihajla, 11300 Smederevo, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Hospitals and medical centres

Website: https://www.obsmederevo.rs/

Total budget: EUR 806 581.28

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 685 594.08

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 120 987.20

Contractors:

Name: Time Computers PR
VAT registration or tax identification number: 54397658/ 100912768

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

General Hospital "Sveti Luka" Smederevo

Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

Partners and Projects info

"Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara

Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

Project acronym: EduCare

Project ID: RORS00302

Project start date: 2024-12-24

Project end date: 2026-12-23

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project POSCCE 669/01.09.2014 ROBOCAPE – Multicenter study regarding the use of the robotic approach in correlating the decrease of circulating adipokine level in obesity with the risk of pelvic cancer (EN) | The project was implemented during 2014 – 2015, with UMFVBT as the sole applicant. The project’s logics is to increase diagnosis accuracy, surgery efficiency (using a surgical robot), and analyze the removed tumors. All data generated by the project ROBOCAPE are collected, stored and processed using a computer system.
- The current project represents the continuation of the efforts of the lead partner in improving its educational and training activities, not only by equipping the infrastructure with the appropriate supplies and equipments, but also by developing and implementing measures to support the creation of resilient and sustainable jobs and the employment of people with vulnerable background. (EN), RORS 9 Improved health care in neurology and psychiatry – longer life (EN) | The project partners was both the "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara and the General Hospital "Sveti Luka" Smederevo. The project targets to reduce the probability of a stroke through better diagnose services. The project targets to educate the population in general medicine, stimulating the people to attend regular medical investigations.
- The 2 projects generate synergy, as the analyzed project offers specialized training for future doctors, respectively for students and PhD students, including for medical personnel, so that they can have the necessary professional capacities to assist the population in carrying out the high quality medical investigations offered through RORS9.
(EN), RORS 8 and RORS 11 (EN) | The current project is also in synergy with projects RORS 8 and RORS 11, as they all contribute to the training of the surgeons from the cross-border region.
- The current project is a continuous effort to improve the professional skills and knowledge of students, PHD students and medical personnel by measures for developing highly technical skills and competences. At the institutional level, the 2 projects have positive impact on the process of internalizing new mechanisms for working procedures, joint platforms, joint events for online education and training.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 144 254.48

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 822 616.30

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 1 822 616.30. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

1 Functional e-learning platform
Operational E-learning platform
Educational materials developed
Mandatory visual identity activities carried out
500 registered users
E-learning and e-training joint events
Evaluated results and certified users
Joint medical expert team assigned
ROF
RORS medical equipment and supplies
Hands-on trainings
Selected target group
EduCare Hands-on training
Certified participants

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda 2030 is a framework for territorial development in the European Union (EU) that sets out a vision for more cohesive, sustainable, and resilient regions. EduCare can contribute to this agenda in several ways:
Enhancing regional competitiveness: By providing high-quality training in minimally invasive techniques, the project can help to enhance the competitiveness of the regions involved in the programme area. This can lead to increased economic growth and job creation, which are key priorities of the Territorial Agenda 2030.
Promoting innovation and knowledge transfer: The project can promote innovation and knowledge transfer by facilitating the sharing of best practices and state-of-the-art techniques in minimally invasive surgery across borders. This can help to build regional innovation ecosystems and promote the development of new products and services in the healthcare sector.
Strengthening regional resilience: The project can contribute to regional resilience by enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems to respond to health crises and emergencies. The training in minimally invasive techniques can help to reduce the burden on healthcare systems by reducing the need for hospitalisation and speeding up the recovery time of patients.
Supporting sustainable development: The project can contribute to sustainable development by promoting environmentally friendly practices in the healthcare sector. By reducing the need for invasive surgery and hospitalisation, the project can help to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare systems, which is a key priority of the Territorial Agenda 2030.
Overall, EduCare can contribute to the Territorial Agenda 2030 by promoting regional competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and sustainable development in the programme area.
Other Europe 2030 strategy: EduCare can contribute to the Europe 2030 strategy in several ways:
Strengthening research and innovation: The project can help to promote the development of new technologies and techniques in minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Promoting cross-border cooperation: The project can contribute to the promotion of cross-border cooperation between healthcare providers, educational institutions, and research organizations, which is a key element of the Europe 2030 strategy.
Improving healthcare system efficiency: The project can contribute to the improvement of healthcare system efficiency by reducing the length of hospital stays, reducing the need for invasive surgeries, and improving patient outcomes.
Overall, the project can help to advance several key priorities of the Europe 2030 strategy, including improving the health and well-being of citizens, promoting sustainable growth, and fostering innovation and digital transformation.
Other European Pillar of Social Rights:
The project can contribute to the European Pillar of Social Rights by promoting access to quality and affordable healthcare, ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary skills and competencies to provide high-quality care, and promoting the use of innovative and efficient healthcare technologies.
Other Digital Single Market Strategy:
The project can contribute to the Digital Single Market Strategy by promoting the use of e-learning platforms to provide specialized training in minimally invasive techniques to healthcare providers in the project area. This can help to facilitate cross-border collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and expertise in healthcare.
Other European Union Health Strategy:
The project can contribute to the European Union Health Strategy by promoting the adoption of best practices in healthcare, enhancing the quality of care, and promoting the development of a skilled and competent healthcare workforce.
Other Horizon Europe:
The project can contribute to Horizon Europe by promoting the development and adoption of innovative healthcare technologies and by promoting the transfer of technology and knowledge between healthcare providers in different regions.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

România (RO), Timișoara, Piata Eftimie Murgu, 2, 300041
România (RO), Timișoara, Piata Eftimie Murgu, 2, 300041
Serbia (RS), Smederevo, Kneza Mihajla, 51, 11300
România (RO), Timisoara, Liviu Rebreanu Blvd., 156, 300723
Serbia (RS), Smederevo, Kneza Mihajila, 51, 11300

Programme Output Indicator:

PSO 4: Investments in education, training and life-long learning services, Measurement unit: investments

Delivered output indicator(s):

Investments in education, training and life-long learning services: 1.0

Programme Result Indicator:

PSR4: Annual users of the supported investments in education, training and life-long learning services, Measurement unit: users/year

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Romania Serbia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-26

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

32 / 32 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

91 / 91 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Improving RORS equal access to training in cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical procedures

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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