Skopje, 5 April 2024 (MIA) – The healthcare sector has witnessed remarkable advancements during the period of my stay here. Health insurance coverage is nearly universal and comprehensive. We are also working diligently, recognizing there is still room for improvement in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Our focus lies particularly on primary healthcare, as the Government has passed legislation enabling enhanced access to primary health services, Dr. Anne Johansen, WHO Special Representative to North Macedonia, told reporters when asked how she assessed the public health system in the country.

She delivered a speech at Friday’s event to mark World Health Day - April 7, which is celebrated under the theme “My health, my right” and organised by the Macedonian Medical Association (MMA).

“We are also focusing on human resources, as it is crucial. Without adequate staffing of doctors and nurses, a healthcare system cannot function. Additionally, we are collaborating with other countries, such as Slovenia, on projects to enhance nursing. This collaboration aims to broaden the spectrum of services nurses can provide beyond their current scope," Johansen added.

She also emphasized the importance of addressing risks, citing smoking as the leading cause of premature mortality in the country.

"We conducted a study which revealed that half of the population are consumers of tobacco and tobacco-related nicotine products. Additionally, the consequences of tobacco consumption account for nine percent of the decrease in the GDP of the country. As a result, the economy loses significant financial resources, which could otherwise be utilized for the benefit of society as a whole,” Johansen noted.

Highlighting the importance of access to medication for chronic diseases, Johansen emphasized the need for adequate funding from the Ministry of Finance to cover these drugs.

Goran Dimitrov, President of the Macedonian Medical Association, highlighted that association, established in 1945, extends its congratulations to all healthcare workers on the World Health Day, celebrated since 1950.

He urged all those studying to become healthcare professionals to stay in the country, citing a significant outflow of doctors. Dimitrov emphasized the importance of creating favorable conditions for good work, specialization opportunities, employment, and a pleasant life here.

According to him, in order to retain the workforce, good regionalization needs to be established, better conditions for specialization, advancement, rapid employment, possibly through scholarships even while medical students are studying, and of course, to respect the aspirations or visions that young people have for here.

Deputy Minister of Health, Maja Manoleva, emphasized the need to confront the problem of brain drain not just among doctors, but among all healthcare workers, a challenge experienced by all nations. She highlighted interventions made in the past period regarding the definition of primary conditions, although not the only conditions, for retaining healthcare professionals to work within our country.

“That includes salary increases, a measure we plan to continue after the elections. We believe that the hard work of all healthcare workers deserves proper recognition. Another crucial aspect, particularly for retaining our doctors in the country, is ensuring timely and efficient referrals for specialization,” Manoleva noted.

“Furthermore, investing in infrastructure in public healthcare institutions will be another motivating factor for young doctors to remain here, in our country. In addition to modern and sophisticated equipment, which allows them to implement global standards practiced elsewhere, it will also be available here,” Manoleva added.

Leonid Rene Tomas Karadzhinov, recognized as the top student of his graduating class last year, told reporters that he is presently employed at the Emergency Medical Unit as part of the obligatory six-month internship required for specialization.

When asked by a reporter what is essential to retain young healthcare workers in the country, he responded that it is crucial to have security, specifically personal security.

“Firstly, it's the assurance of security, both in terms of personal safety and financial stability, that will encourage us to stay,” he said.

Manoleva expressed satisfaction that the Republic of North Macedonia is the first country in the Western Balkans to officially adopt the national action plan for health security, in cooperation with the WHO, "which is an important step forward in strengthening our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our citizens."

“As part of the ongoing successful cooperation with the World Health Organization, a two-year collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Health and the WHO for the years 2024 – 2025 was signed yesterday. We are especially focused on strengthening disease prevention and early detection - here, the successful implementation of screenings for early detection of breast and cervical cancer should be noted,” she said.

She highlighted that a current challenge they are facing is increasing vaccination coverage. "To address this, we, along with our partners, recently signed a joint Declaration in support of vaccination, aiming to enhance institutional support for the vaccination process and continuously carry out collaborative activities to promote it."

Photo: MIA