Skopje, 10 September 2026 (MIA) - After more than 10 years, North Macedonia has updated its list of essential medicines that must be available to medical workers in the treatment of patients. Systemized in 28 treatment areas and defined in subgroups, the updated list also offers 193 new medicines.

The list, which consists of 372 medicines, also contains clear guidelines regarding what should be done if a certain medicine is not available and what its adequate replacement is. Another novelty in the updated list is the division of antibiotics into three subgroups and the introduction of new therapeutic areas, as well as medicines for multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, modern therapy for HIV, hepatitis B and C, oncological treatments...

"There was a need to update the list because over the past 11 years the World Health Organization has carried out several significant changes to its list. This essential list was adopted through a very participative process through the National Platform for Medicines, which included institutions, experts, and patients' organizations," said Health Minister Sasho Klekovski at Thursday's promotion of the updated essential list.

The Health Minister noted that an important fact is that the list also focuses on prevention. For example, he said, nicotine replacement therapy is being introduced "which should encourage preventive thinking regarding lung cancer".

Klekovski urged regular updates of the list, instead of waiting another 11 years.

"We should not wait 11 years to update the list again, we need to establish a mechanism for regular updates. There is no need for updates every 6 or 12 months, however, we must keep up with significant changes at the World Health Organization. So, when a significant change is made to the WHO's essential list, it should also be implemented in Macedonia's national legislation," Klekovski stressed.

The Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Akeem Ali also highlighted the importance of introducing regular updates to the list through the new Law on Medicines to ensure continued relevancy and responsibility toward the needs and trust of the public.

"The World Health Organization remains a committed partner to North Macedonia in improving access to medicines and advancing key systemic reforms," the WHO's Representative to the country said.

Photo: Health Ministry