Skopje, 27 May 2024 (MIA) – Health Minister Ilir Demiri said Monday that no resignations have been filed as the health system has been severely hit with the operating rooms (ORs) in the Mother Teresa Clinical Complex in Skopje being closed for more than a week due to a problem in the compressor stations.

The compression stations are managed by the government’s service for general affairs and do not fall in the jurisdiction of the clinic for surgery, he told a news conference answering questions.

Alternative solutions are being sought, the Minister said noting that managers in state institutions are responsible for maintenance and repairs of the compression stations. 

Deimir said he will ask the government to solve the issue.

The ORs at Skopje’s clinical complex had been built almost 30 years ago, Minister Demiri told the news conference, adding that outdoor air compressors will be used until a valid document for their proper functioning is obtained.

A defect in the compressor station has caused the problem, according to the minister, who also said that analyzes from Germany are pending as well as an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

“Until the analyzes from Germany arrive, the surgical center will use outdoor air compressors,” Demiri said adding that six compressors have been procured that will be used during emergency, more complicated surgeries.

Emergency cases will be redirected to two other general hospitals in Skopje. 

The Public Prosecutor’s Office will investigate whether any wrongdoing has been committed with the ORs at the Mother Teresa Clinical Complex in Skopje being out of order. According to initial reports, the ORs remain closed partly due to the fact that unpleasant odor has been spreading through the ventilation system and due to an issue with oxygen supply. 

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