Skopje, 16 July 2025 (MIA) - The Ministry of Health has launched the implementation of a national program for crisis management and health system resilience. It is the first of its kind in the country, establishing a new logic in dealing with risks, defining standardized protocols, a digital platform for real-time coordination, training, simulation exercises and interoperable communication between healthcare and security institutions, Health Minister Azir Aliu told a press conference on Wednesday. 

This platform, he pointed out, strengthens the resilience of the system and is a step forward towards integrated health security and a thorough upgrade of the National Action Plan for Health Security, incorporating lessons learned from the pandemic, in accordance with WHO and EU standards, and strengthening the legal framework for intersectoral coordination.

"This is a clear political message - the health and safety of citizens are inviolable, and our responsibility is to build a system that reacts before the threat, not after the tragedy. With these coordinated steps, our country is making a turnaround - from a reactive to a proactive health system, ready to respond to any threat. We believe that the health and safety of citizens have no price. The reforms we are starting are the best investment in their protection. However, for a health system to be truly resilient, the reforms must be complemented by real, capital investments. Therefore, the Ministry is starting a new investment phase of EUR 205 million for the reconstruction and improvement of the health infrastructure in Shtip, Tetovo and Kichevo," said Aliu. 

In response to a reporter's question, he said that the Ministry did not have defined protocols and standards on how to act in crisis situations, but they are now being defined and standardized according to the EU and good practices in the world.

"This means we are creating crisis headquarters that will be trained and will simulate such types of challenges. We are also creating a protocol for interoperability between institutions. We have two institutions in the country that should provide protocols for managing crisis situations. The Ministry of Health will need to create clear protocols for managing health problems in such crisis situations," said Aliu.

The Minister noted that these projects are the foundation for more dignified treatment of patients and better conditions for medical staff. 

Photo: MIA