Skopje, 11 October 2025 (MIA) — SDSM leader Venko Filipche has called on the Doctors Chamber to evaluate the work of the newly dismissed director of the Neurology Clinic Igor Kuzmanovski, after a scandalous video of Kuzmanovski handling a white powdery substance surfaced Friday.

Filipche welcomed the prompt dismissal of Kuzmanovski, but he also expected a reaction from the Doctors Chamber, he said.

"It is good that he was dismissed immediately. At the same time, the Doctors Chamber should react in terms of assessing whether and how long ago this happened, and whether a doctor in such a state can treat patients at all. This is a very serious issue. Perhaps the lives of some of his patients were at stake if he was in such a state," he said. 

Late Friday night, Kuzmanovski issued a public apology expressing remorse for his actions. In his apology posted on Facebook, he said the video had been taken long before he was appointed hospital director.

He described the video as a "moment of weakness" and said "this mistake will not be repeated." He also said he was leaving the directorial post "satisfied with the results my team and I have achieved together in this short period of time." 

"I apologize to everyone I disappointed, and I will continue to work as a doctor, doing what I know best, love and live for: saving lives, helping and working for the good of the community," Kuzmanovski wrote.

After the video of Kuzmanovski surfaced, Minister of Health Azir Aliu issued a decision to dismiss the neurologist from his post as University Clinic of Neurology hospital director.

In a press release late Friday evening, VMRO-DPMNE announced their support of Kuzmanovski's dismissal.

"There is no doubt in our minds that institutions should act clearly and unambiguously in line with the law and established procedures. Public office holders have specific duties and responsibilities," the release said. 

"The rules and laws apply to everyone equally and institutions must be managed according to the value system of responsibility we advocate and will continue to fight for," the release added. mr/