Skopje, 21 September 2023 (MIA) - The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of healthy and strong healthcare systems, flawless coordination and effective response mechanisms. North Macedonia was not exempt from its devastating effects. Our healthcare infrastructure is under severe pressure, and vulnerable communities bore a disproportionate burden. Our response has to be swift, inclusive and progressive. Equal access is the center of our strategy. We are strengthening the public health infrastructure, improving surveillance systems and prioritizing vulnerable communities.

Minister of Health Fatmir Mexhiti said on Thursday at the high-level meeting on "Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response," held within the framework of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

The Ministry of Health announced in a press release that Mexhiti discussed the challenges health systems faced around the world during the Covid crisis, and the burden the healthcare system in North Macedonia bore during the pandemic.

"The Minister referred to the commitment to investments in critical deficiencies when dealing with the pandemic, building a resilient healthcare system. Emphasizing that modernizing the healthcare system is of key importance, as well as the timely distribution of services to offer a more efficient and effective care for patients, and that countries in the region have to overcome these challenges as soon as possible," the press release reads.

He underlined that challenges, such as the pandemic, know no borders and "that is why we need solidarity between countries and a collective response, both in the exchange of experiences and expertise, exchange of information and stopping the spread of disinformation."

"Looking forward, we will commit to shape resilience of the healthcare system. North Macedonia is open to international cooperation and partnership in order to reach this goal. Only with a joint response during pandemics and health crisis, we can protect our citizens and strengthen our healthcare systems, to be better prepared for future challenges," the press release adds. ssh/sk/

Photo: Ministry of Health