Skopje, 22 March 2025 (MIA) - The first patients treated abroad, whose health condition allows them to come back, will return to the country in the course of next week, said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski on Saturday.

A coordination meeting took place in the ministry regarding the next steps and measures for the expected return of all patients or continuation of their treatment in the country.

"The first patients are expected to return next week, those whose health condition is good enough so they can come back," Mucunski told a press conference.

The FM said 116 patients from the Kochani nightclub fire are treated in 14 countries and the hospitalization costs are covered by the host-countries, whereas the Government covers the travel and accommodation costs of family members.

Of these 116 patients, 38 have been sent for treatment through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism that the Government activated right after the accident, whereas the others left through direct bilateral assistance.

Regarding the countries where patients are being treated, most of them are in Serbia-31, followed by Bulgaria-15, Turkey-12, Greece-12, Spain-7, Austria-6, Hungary-6, Croatia-5, Belgium-4, Lithuania-4, Italy-4, Sweden-4, Slovenia-4, and Poland-2.

The Czech Republic and Israel have sent medical teams to assist local staff, while Romania, Luxembourg, Norway and Finland have provided logistical support for transport of the injured.

Mucunski said the country's diplomatic-consular offices are in constant communication with the families in the countries where their loved ones are being treated.

MIA file photo, MFAFT