Skopje, 23 October 2023 (MIA) - The Parliament of North Macedonia hosted on Monday a ceremony presenting the "23 October" state award for lasting achievements in the field of science, culture, education, protection of state interests and promotion of state priorities, values ​​and the cultural and historical heritage of public interest. 

The medical team that performed the first liver transplant in the country, including Zoran Karadzhov, Svetozar Antovikj, Beti Todorovska, Tatjana Spirovska and Maja Mojsova Mijovska, as well as university professor Afrim Osmani, received the award for achievements in science and education. 

Kristina Skiparovska, who received the award on behalf of her brother Svetozar Antovikj, said the recognition was a great incentive for further achievements in the field of medicine.

This award, she noted, promises that what has been the enthusiasm of a group will not just be an outburst of enthusiasm, but will become a system, a standard in our country. 

Maja Mojsova Mijovska pointed out that the growing awareness among citizens about organ donation has actually made the biggest impact on transplants in the country.

"Regarding the award, I would like to say that I am glad that someone noticed us, noticed our effort, our hard work. In general, transplants are developing in Macedonia because organ donation awareness has developed. Organ donation awareness had the biggest impact, we wouldn't have transplants, if we didn't have families donating. I am glad that the families and the citizens understood our mission. I believe there's still a lot of work ahead of us, but essentially we have laid the foundations, the primary construction of transplantation in our country and I hope that it will further develop," said Mojosova Mijovska. 

Visual artist Robert Jankuloski and writer Blazhe Minevski received the award for achievements in culture and art. 

President of the Award Presentation Board, Mimi Gjorgovska Ilievska, said the "October 23" award gives the highest recognition for lasting achievements of individuals whose work has contributed to development in several areas in the country.  

"This holiday unites the generations who struggled and fought for our freedom and for the freedom of our future generations. Even after 130 years, October 23 - the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle remains a permanent reminder of the Macedonian age-old efforts for their own state in which every person, regardless of nationality, will be able to freely show their creative and professional qualities with dignity," said Gjorgovska Ilievska. 

Photo: MIA