Skopje, 31 January 2024 (MIA) - Skopje-based Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office has concluded the pre-investigation, and opened Wednesday an investigation into the case of misuse of cancer therapies and medications at the Oncology Clinic.

One of the suspects is the former medical director of the Oncology Clinic, and another is the organizational director. The other three suspects are oncology doctors.

Skopje-based Basic Public Prosecutor's Office has sought precautionary measures for the former medical director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Nino Vasev, who is suspected of seven criminal offenses, including 'abuse of official position and authority' and 'fraud in the service.'

Precautionary measures are also requested for the organizational director, Nehat Nuhi, who is suspected of 'fraud in the service.'

In the case, three oncology doctors are under suspicion for assisting in 'fraud in the service.'

Both former directors are now subject to precautionary measures, including a ban on leaving their residences and passport confiscation. Furthermore, the former medical director faces a work suspension order as part of the ongoing investigation.

Upon this request, Skopje Criminal Court is tasked with making a decision.

“During the pre-investigation process in this case, we worked as a team of two public prosecutors, numerous actions were taken, and extensive documentation has been obtained. The oncology patients and their families played a crucial role in this entire procedure, and I want to publicly thank them once again. I encourage them to report any possible irregularities and abuses they may have witnessed at this clinic,” stated the prosecutor, Ana Gogovska Jakimovska, who is leading the case.

At today's press briefing, she stated that the medical and organizational directors procured medications in advance of the public procurement contract, without the consent of the Health Insurance Fund, during a period when the public procurement procedures had not yet been conducted by the Ministry of Health.

As reported, medications were prescribed to patients in violation of treatment protocols, where there is inconsistency in the dosage of the drugs and the timing of administration.

The prosecution in the ongoing investigation has uncovered an illicit financial gain for another party amounting to Mden 1,817,520,000 or approximately €30 million.

Photo: MIA archive