Skopje, 14 October 2025 (MIA) - The renovated hospital ward at the Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedic, Anesthesia, Reanimation and Intensive Care and Emergency Center was officially opened Tuesday in the presence of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Health Minister Azir Aliu, and Deputy Health Minister Jovica Andovski.

The director of clinic, Igor Merdzanoski, stated that the renovation of the hospital ward represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare services for patients.

“This investment gives us more than just a modern and functional facility, it establishes the foundation for meeting the highest medical standards, ensuring better diagnostics, quicker treatments, and greater comfort for patients. Today’s message is clear: caring for people is at the core of what we do. Our patients deserve the best conditions and service, and our medical staff deserve an environment where they can display their professionalism and humanity. With this fully renovated ward, we are moving toward a more advanced, and efficient healthcare system,” Dr. Merdzanoski said.

He announced that the Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedic, Anesthesia, Reanimation and Intensive Care and Emergency Center will continue with projects including the renovation of the Clinic for Anesthesiology, Reanimation, and Intensive Care, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art intensive care equipment, the renovation of the surgical block, and, next year, the spinal surgery center will receive the latest equipment featuring navigation with an automated robotic arm, placing it on the map of leading global centers for spinal disease treatment.

The Clinic for Traumatology has been equipped with new operating tables, two modern anesthesiology machines, and an advanced system for extracorporeal blood purification. Three X-ray units have been repaired, a new one is being procured, and medical staff received protective gear against radiation. The long-standing air-conditioning issue in the operating rooms has been resolved with medical-grade systems, reducing infection rates, and a new electrostatic floor has been installed to meet standards, he said.

According to Prime Minister Mickoski, following the local elections, the government will focus on major structural healthcare reforms, since, as he noted, roughly one billion euros are spent each year without adequate results for citizens, patients, or medical staff.

“I think there are too many external influences, and those influences should be a thing of the past if we want to have a healthcare system with satisfied medical workers and patients. Such initiatives are always welcome. I congratulate the director, thank the minister for his support, and all those involved. As the director said, above all, I thank the healthcare professionals who have been part of this clinic, working under conditions that were far from ideal,” Mickoski added.

Photo: Government