U.N. Medical Flight Program Out Money

A program that has flown more than 1,000 severely ill Bosnians out of Sarajevo to hospitals in Europe and the United States is coming to an end, its official budget depleted.

The last flight under the program takes place today.

A joint program of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugeees and the International Organization for Migration, the program was begun in 1992 with support from 52 countries. The United States paid about half its $1.5 million in costs. It has arranged flights for 1,150 Bosnians.

Organizers made an appeal in December for $750,000 to keep the flights going. Except for a $45,000 contribution from Finland, there was little interest.

Supporters of the program cite cases of seriously sick Sarajevans, including children, who had hoped to find room on the flights.

“Some of the kids will probably die,” said Dr. Fabio Mariani, who heads the operation.

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