Skopje, 22 March 2025 (MIA) - The expenses for the treatment of the 116 patients injured in the Kochani nightclub fire are covered by the host-countries, whereas the travel and accommodation costs for the patients' families are covered by the Government, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and added he does not consider disinformation regarding the costs as tendentious, having in mind that the entire society is in shock after the tragedy.

"This shows our humanity. We have said since the first moment that the Government will take care of these people. We booked the hotels, we bought the plane tickets, cover the roaming costs and other daily expenses," FM Mucunski told a press conference.

He added that diplomatic-consular offices are in direct communication with the families in the countries where the patients are hospitalized for any concerns - transport, translation of documents or communication with the hospitals.

"It is not bad that people are helping, but they should know that the state is thinking about every individual cost that might occur from this extremely difficult situation. By allocating the taxpayers' money, we cannot allow funds for medical treatment and other logistical expenses to be collected through donations. Nevertheless, the people's humanity should not be disregarded, and all those who want to help should find the most appropriate channel they think is the most fitting," noted Mucunski.

The FM said 116 patients from the Kochani nightclub fire are treated in 14 countries, of whom 38 have been sent for treatment through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism that the Government activated right after the accident, whereas the others left through direct bilateral assistance.

Asked if the NATO mechanisms for such situations are to be activated, Mucunski said they consider that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is sufficient for the challenge that the country is currently facing.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade