Skopje, 10 September 2025 (MIA) -- Public hospitals who have no specialists on staff will turn to Zhan Mitrev, Acibadem Sistina and Remedika private hospitals for help in cases of need, according to a new memorandum of cooperation signed Wednesday between Health Minister Azir Aliu and their representatives, the Ministry of Health said in a press release.

"Our highest imperative is for all health facilities, both public and private, to operate legally," Aliu is quoted as saying in the release.

The health minister also said the newly established cooperation was aimed at providing patients with specialized medical care unavailable in public hospitals. 

Under the memorandum, the Ministry of Health will estimate the shortage of specialists in individual public health facilities, provide administrative and legal support and coordinate the cooperation with Zhan Mitrev, Acibadem Sistina and Remedika.

Specialists on staff at the three private hospitals will be contracted "under clearly determined conditions and in accordance with ethical and professional standards," the Ministry of Health said.

"With this move, the Ministry of Health is advancing its partnership with all health facilities in the country with the ultimate goal of improving the quality and availability of health services for patients," the release said. mr/