Shtip, 26 July 2025 (MIA) - The injured in the “Pulse” nightclub fire in Kochani have the support of the Ministry of Health and the Government. In the coming period, a Prosthetics Center will be built in Skopje, and the injured young people who require additional and costly interventions and treatments will be supported by the state, said Health Minister Azir Aliu Saturday in Shtip, when asked whether the state would cover the costs of expensive aesthetic procedures.

“We are aware that there are treatments and procedures that are expensive, but as a state, we are responsible for providing healthcare to every citizen, as this is our legal obligation. I personally visited Kochani, and I stand before you today to say that for every process that requires financial support, we will respond. Likewise, for any process that requires the transfer of knowledge, we will organize appropriate training, and for any process requiring the mobility of our citizens abroad, we will also provide support. This process will not be completed quickly, these are long-term efforts, and we will need a long-term approach,” Aliu said.

He said that an analysis has been conducted by experts from our country, as well as by experts who were directly or indirectly involved with the tragedy.

“That is why we are working intensively and I have held several meetings with multiple embassies to enable some patients to receive additional treatments and care abroad. At the same time, we are working to develop infrastructure within the country. For example, one such area is the production of prosthetics, we currently do not have such a laboratory. I have met with representatives from Slovenia to assess the progress of this procedure,” Aliu said.

Aliu pointed out that working groups have been established both within the Government and the Ministry of Health, aiming to develop a long-term strategy to provide infrastructural, human, and professional support to the citizens of Kochani.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of rehabilitation for the young people injured on Ponikva, noting that the patients themselves attest to this and are eager to be part of the groups. Currently, the third group of injured individuals from the Kochani nightclub is undergoing rehabilitation with the assistance of doctors, physiotherapists, and qualified healthcare staff.

Photo: MIA