Veles, 10 March 2025 (MIA) — Modular hospitals that were built to be Covid-19 centers at the outset of the pandemic will be turned into outpatient clinics and facilities needed by other ministries, according to Health Minister Arben Taravari speaking to reporters after visiting the Veles General Hospital, one of the hospitals nationwide that still have Covid-19 modular hospital wards.

"After what happened in Tetovo with the modular hospital fire, we absolutely cannot use those hospitals," Taravari said.

"You know how those 15-16 patients ended up in the Tetovo modular hospital. 

"We cannot even think about using those temporary facilities as hospitals," the health minister said in response to a reporter's question.

The hospital's acting director Aleksandar Buzalkov said the hospital's management has not considered repurposing the modular Covid-19 hospital ward in Veles yet. 

He added that maintenance crews were making sure the modular Covid-19 center was in good condition, adding that some use would be found for it in the future. mr/