Skopje, 20 September 2025 (MIA) - Growth hormone has been provided for all 174 patients at the University Children’s Clinic, and there is no longer a waiting list. However, there are only three pediatric endocrinologists in the country, making it necessary to establish a special subspecialization in pediatric endocrinology. This was stated at Saturday’s event marking the International Children’s Growth Awareness Day, organized by the Parents’ Association of Children with Endocrinological Disorders “Growth” under the motto “Speak Out Loud.”

A budget of Mden 75 million has been designated exclusively for the Children’s Clinic therapy. The cost of treatment varies depending on each patient’s condition.

“In past years, there was discrimination in treatment, some children received therapy, while others waited for years. This year, the Health Insurance Fund has allocated a budget, allowing growth hormone therapy for 174 children currently. The waiting list no longer exists,” stated Aleksandar Petrovski, president of association.

Deputy Minister of Health, Jovica Andovski, also confirmed that the therapy has been provided.

“Growth hormone has been provided for all 174 patients at the Children’s Clinic, and there is no longer a waiting list. A total of 174 children now have timely access to this hormone, unlike in previous periods. Significant investments have also been made at the Clinic, including the complete renovation of the endocrinology outpatient clinic and the Pulmonology Department, as well as the provision of new medical equipment, significantly improving the quality of healthcare services for children,” Andovski said.

Sasho Klekovski, director of the Health Insurance Fund, stated that the Fund has established the principle that growth hormone must be available for all children.

“The Fund is dedicated to ensuring that there will be no waiting list for growth hormone treatment, not only this year but in the years ahead. We consider this the minimum we can do for these children and their families. This therapy changes lives, enables a normal life, and there is no reason to cut funding or restrict access,” Klekovski underlined.

Professor Sonja Bojadzhieva, MD, from the University Children’s Clinic emphasized the importance of creating a special subspecialization in pediatric endocrinology or genetics.

“The Clinic will always stand by the children, our little heroes. The next challenge for professors and the Medical Faculty should be to establish a dedicated subspecialization in pediatric endocrinology or genetics, something that has not existed until now,” she noted.

There are five different growth hormones available in Macedonia.

“We should be proud that there is no waiting list and that we have a choice of therapy, which is very important,” Petrovski said, urging parents on the occasion of International Children’s Growth Awareness Day to carefully monitor their children and consult a doctor immediately if any symptoms are noticed.

The celebration of International Children’s Growth Awareness Day continues at the Zoo with a full-day event.

Photo: MIA