Skopje, 5 March 2026 (MIA) - More than 10 tons of hazardous chemical waste were stored within the premises of the Public Health Institute (PHI) for over a decade, posing a big risk for the people's health and security.

Institute director Marija Andonovski said Thursday the waste has now been safely removed and is set to be incinerated abroad.

The waste includes extracts from lab analyses and various chemicals, which are volatile and flammable.

"We have prevented a disaster by removing the waste, but I expect accountability," said Andonovski.

Photo: MIA