Skopje, 1 July 2024 (MIA) - Health Minister Arben Taravari said Monday focus in the coming period would be placed on delivering modern healthcare, investments in digitization, promotion of healthy lifestyle, implementation of a national pharmaceutical policy.

Modernization of public hospitals would include better infrastructure and technology towards improving quality of care, reducing waiting times and upgrading outcomes for patients.

"Infrastructure is set to improve in all public health institutions, with a focus on the hospitals in Shtip, Kichevo, Ohrid-based 'St.Erazmo' but also reviewing all proposals for a new clinical center," Taravari told reporters.

The available medical equipment for public health institutions is to be screened, along with procurement of new equipment, but also improvement of the urgent medical services, more ambulances, training for paramedics.

"We are also planning to enlarge the access to primary health protection and possible increase of primary health clinics, primarily in rural and insufficiently covered areas, so that more citizens have access to basic health services," noted Taravari.

He said another objective is to invest in digitization of health services and telemedicine, in order to improve patients' care, data management and long-distance consultations.

"We will also work on implementing preventive health services, promoting healthy lifestyle, improving mental health services, as well as implementing a national pharmaceutical policy in order to ensure availability, access and quality of basic drugs while promoting rational use of pharmaceutical products," added Taravari.

Photo: MIA