Apolonia” Distances Itself from Suspected Corruption Cases: The Profession’s Ethical Standards Are Being Undermined

The Association of Albanian Dentists of Macedonia “Apolonia” has issued a public response following recent media reports involving the current president and former president of the Albanian Dental Society.

In its statement, the leadership of “Apolonia” said it fully and unconditionally distances itself from these cases, as such actions, it said, do not reflect the principles and ethical standards of the dental profession.

The response concerns an announcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office that criminal charges have been filed against three individuals. The authorities suspect that the current president of the Albanian Dental Society exerted influence on the head of the Professional Examinations Commission at the Ministry of Health, offering him a financial reward to enable a female student to unlawfully pass the professional examination.

“Apolonia” emphasized that the investigation into the matter is ongoing and that the presumption of innocence remains in force until a final court ruling is issued. Nevertheless, the Association considers the substance of the publicly disclosed allegations intolerable and contrary to professional ethics.

The same response also addresses the case of the former president of the Albanian Dental Society, who simultaneously serves as president of the Senate of the University of Tetovo. The Association noted that the Forum for Educational Change has publicly called for him to resign or be dismissed pending the completion of legal and institutional proceedings.

The leadership of “Apolonia” expressed outrage over both cases. It claims that the individuals named have been among the key figures behind the divisions that have affected the Albanian dental community in recent years, while also holding them responsible for the dissolution of the Dental Chamber of Macedonia.

The statement says that dentists, because of their responsibility to patients, the public and the profession, cannot be associated with such actions, regardless of the positions the individuals involved have held or continue to hold. The Association stressed that these cases do not reflect the thousands of colleagues who work with honesty, dignity and dedication to medical ethics.

In conclusion, the Association of Albanian Dentists of Macedonia “Apolonia” called on its members to remain united around professional principles. At the same time, it demanded the immediate removal from office of the current president of the Albanian Dental Society and the reconstitution of its governing bodies, in compliance with the statute, applicable regulations and the intercollegial agreement providing for the rotation of leadership.