Skopje, 14 April 2025 (MIA) — There are cancer drugs that can temporarily replace the ones the University Clinic for Radiotherapy and Oncology in Skopje is currently out of, Minister of Health Arben Taravari told a press conference Monday.

In response to a reporter's question about the shortage, Taravari said he had heard about it from the hospital's head.

"I spoke with the Oncology director," the health minister said, confirming that there was a shortage of four cancer drugs.

"They have been out of them in the past four days," he said, adding that the delay in the procurement of these medications was because of lengthy procedures.

"We have to wait for them. Aterward, from Tuesday on, all these drugs will be available to all patients," he said. 

"In the meantime, for all the drugs that are unavailable, and there are four of them, there are therapeutics that can replace the unavailable drugs," Taravari said. 

The health minister added that laws needed to be amended so there would be no drug shortages in the future due to administrative procedures. mr/

Video: MIA