Klekovski: 16 operations performed on Koçan victims with Israeli team

Health Minister Sašo Klekovski presented the results of a visit by surgeons from the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv at a press conference today.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Israeli surgeons, working with medical teams from North Macedonia, carried out 24 specialist examinations and 16 operations on people injured in the Koçan tragedy.

The ministry said the Israeli team focused on restoring function to patients’ hands and upper limbs. The operations included scar excision and revision, contracture release, Z-plasty and full-thickness skin grafts.

“The health authorities are committed to long-term care. Treatment of those injured in Koçan did not end when they left the hospital; it continues with operations, checkups and rehabilitation. I thank our colleagues from the Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Harac and Dr. Kanfino Kac came to our aid immediately after the tragedy and have returned to continue helping,” Klekovski said.

Of the 16 patients who underwent surgery, 10 are men and six are women. Six operations, including the five most complex procedures, were performed at the Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Skopje. The other 10 were carried out at Koçan General Hospital.

Director Gjorgievska Pavlovska said the clinic continues to follow up with and monitor the patients who underwent surgery. According to Director Mirçovska, the 10 patients operated on in Koçan will have medical checkups near their homes.

Gordana Georgieva explained that the ministry’s working group is coordinating efforts to meet the needs of those injured, from classifying their injuries to preparing a rehabilitation plan for each patient.