Klekovski: We are working with the Neurology Clinic to save as many lives as possible and reduce the effects of stroke

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski today attended the main event organized by the Neurology Clinic to mark World Stroke Day. The event focused on preventing the disease, recognizing its warning signs early and strengthening healthcare for patients.

Klekovski stressed that when it comes to stroke, rapid intervention and prevention are crucial, as there are only a few hours to respond.

He said successful treatment requires access to radiology services and the ability to begin therapy immediately. The minister said awareness-raising and prevention activities are only one step, while cooperation with the Neurology Clinic aims to improve treatment pathways, save as many lives as possible and reduce disability. He also praised the work of the Neurology Clinic, which, he said, addresses issues of particular importance to the healthcare system.

The minister described the Neurology Clinic as one of the most complex clinical institutions and noted that the decentralization of multiple sclerosis treatment began at the “8 September” City General Hospital, the Shtip Clinical Hospital and Ohrid Hospital. Steps are now being taken to include the hospitals in Tetovo, Prilep and Strumica in the process as well.

In the coming days, information is also expected to be released on developments in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, in cooperation with the University Medical Centre Ljubljana.

Jovan Bozhinovski, director of the Neurology Clinic, said activities had been held in several cities across the country and that their objective had been achieved.

Bozhinovski said that during the free preventive screening campaign held in Skopje’s main square, 147 people were examined and 160 Doppler scans were performed. One patient was admitted to hospital after a significant clinical finding was identified. Around 50 percent of those screened had findings of some kind, and approximately 30 percent of them will be invited for further examinations at the Neurology Clinic.

He emphasized that every minute matters, because recognizing symptoms quickly can mean the difference between life and death, as well as between disability and physical and psychological well-being. Prevention is just as essential, he said, since 90 percent of strokes can be prevented.