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.

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The Ministry of Health announced that 73 patients who sought medical care were examined yesterday at public healthcare institutions in Gostivar.

A total of 45 new examinations were recorded at the “Dr. Ferid Murad” General Hospital in Gostivar. Of these, 26 were carried out in the infectious diseases ward, where there were also two new admissions, while 18 patients were examined in the pediatrics ward.

Two patients are currently hospitalized in the infectious diseases and pediatrics wards.

According to the Ministry of Health’s statement, the on-call service at the Gostivar Health Center recorded 28 new examinations.

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Health Minister Sasho Klekovski, accompanied by Bilall Kasami, Mayor of Tetovo, director Erzen Elezi and Zlatko Perinski from the Health Insurance Fund, carried out an inspection today at Tetovo Hospital.

During the visit, the plan for deep reconstruction, capacity expansion and state-of-the-art equipment for the institution was unveiled. The estimated total investment amounts to around 4.56 billion denars, or about 74 million euros, while the way financing will be divided will be decided after the necessary analyses and procedures are completed.

The plan includes a radical transformation: from the reconstruction of the Surgery and Internal Medicine wards, to the construction of a previously unknown pavilion for several medical specialties. Also, a separate building will be erected for gynecology, obstetrics and neonatology, together with the purchase of modern medical technology and IT systems. Meanwhile, degraded structures will free up space for a complete reorganization of the hospital courtyard.

Minister Klekovski described this as a new guarantee for the dignity and protection of patients, and a more favorable working environment for staff. “Our goal is for the residents of Tetovo and the entire Polog region to have modern and immediate hospital services at their side, without being forced to leave,” he said.

For his part, Mayor Kasami highlighted that the Government’s major projects have not stopped, regardless of who is in power. “This shows that the strategic initiatives of this cabinet do not depend on individuals. Today with the new minister and World Bank experts we inspected the facility and marked the start of the procedure for the most vital project for the western area of Macedonia. We are fully confident that this investment will serve the community as soon as possible,” he added.

The investment directly affects around 251,500 inhabitants of Polog and aims to bring more local treatments, reducing queues and frequent referrals towards Skopje.

After the meeting with World Bank officials, it became clear that immediate phases include drafting a feasibility study, technical documentation and a cost-benefit analysis, which will lead to the selection of a secure and long-term financing model.

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Exotic vacation spots like the Maldives and Zanzibar have become a source of imported tropical diseases for citizens of North Macedonia. Currently, eight cases of West Nile fever, four of malaria, three of dengue virus, and one of Zika virus have been recorded in the country.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski highlighted the risks these infections carry. “Zika poses a serious threat to pregnant women, while dengue is a hemorrhagic fever. Increased caution must be exercised because there is evidence that severe forms of malaria can be fatal. I urge citizens traveling to Africa and the Indian Ocean, especially Zanzibar and the Maldives, to adhere to WHO vaccination guidelines. Although the incidence is very low, it is essential to take preventive measures and to inform family doctors and infectious disease specialists, who must definitely take into account travel history to these areas,” the minister stated.

According to Ministry of Health records, malaria has resurfaced with four cases after a two-year period of complete silence. The data show that after a long time without any reports, the disease has struck again.

Regarding West Nile fever, two of the infections date back to June, while the other six are currently active. One of the cases, according to reports, is linked to travel to Greece, while for the rest, transmission is suspected to have occurred within the country’s borders. The person thought to have introduced the virus is in their 40s, while the remaining patients are aged 60 to 70. These cases are concentrated in the regions of Skopje and Veles.

Minister Klekovski confirmed that in seven of the cases, epidemiological protocols have been implemented, meaning disinfection was carried out within a 200-meter radius of the patients’ residences, as part of standard procedure. However, one person did not accept this intervention.

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The Ministry of Health announced that, according to data from public health institutions in Gostivar, a total of 127 new patients with symptoms of enterocolitis sought medical assistance for the first time yesterday (26.07.2026). This figure represents only a slight increase compared with the previous day, while remaining lower than the number of new patients recorded in recent days.

A total of 91 new examinations were conducted at the “Dr. Ferid Murad” General Hospital in Gostivar. Of these, 41 were carried out in the infectious diseases ward and 50 in the pediatric ward.

One patient was admitted to the infectious diseases ward for hospital treatment, while another was admitted to the pediatric ward.

Meanwhile, the on-call service at the Gostivar Health Center recorded 36 new examinations.

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Following the water contamination case in Gostivar, concerns about supply safety have spread to other cities in the country.

Authorities in Valandovo have banned citizens from drinking tap water, after tests by the Institute of Public Health found a higher concentration of arsenic.

The municipal utility announced that the water can only be used for technical purposes, while additional inspections and analyses will continue until its purity is confirmed.

According to specialists, the recorded arsenic amount does not pose an immediate health risk if exposure is short-term, but prolonged ingestion may have harmful effects.

In Debarca, residents have raised concerns about suspected sewage discharge into the Sateska River and are demanding institutional intervention with on-site inspections. Likewise, in Prilep, after photos of murky water were posted on social media, citizens have requested additional tests.

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LSDM leader Venko Filipçe said at today’s press conference that the country’s healthcare system has been driven toward collapse. According to him, the government led by Hristijan Mickoski is failing to fulfill the state’s fundamental duty to protect citizens’ health.

Filipçe said the incident in Gostivar could not be treated as an isolated case because, in his view, it points to systemic problems, inefficiency and dysfunction. He accused Hristijan Mickoski and his team of destroying the country’s healthcare system.

According to the LSDM leader, serious problems in healthcare include medicine shortages, delays in receiving treatment, long waiting lists, non-operational operating rooms, staff shortages and the improper administration of public healthcare institutions.

He said the primary function of healthcare—protecting citizens’ health—has already been significantly compromised.

Filipçe said patients are waiting for months for surgical procedures because of insufficient staff and infrastructure. He added that a large number of operating rooms at several of the main public healthcare institutions have long been non-operational.

According to him, the highest-level public healthcare institutions are being managed with insufficient staff. He also said that dozens of university clinics where interns and students are trained are not led by academic and scientific staff, but by doctors who are not lecturers.

According to Filipçe, the condition of equipment, hygiene standards, staff shortages and long waiting times are also causing serious problems throughout the healthcare system.

The LSDM leader also raised concerns about the Health Insurance Fund, one of the system’s most important institutions. He stressed that people without the relevant professional qualifications have been appointed to positions at the institution./Telegrafi/

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Acibadem Sistina Clinical Hospital has successfully performed its first surgical procedure using the MedBot Toumai® robotic system. The procedure officially marks the beginning of a new era of advanced, high-precision, minimally invasive surgery, not only for the hospital but also for the country and the region.

The procedure was performed on a 57-year-old patient and involved a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy together with a laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, which was also robot-assisted. The complex procedure, performed to treat prostate cancer, was carried out with maximum control at every stage and exceptional precision thanks to the robotic system.

The urology team was led by Prof. Dr. Sotir Stavridis, a specialist in urology. Urologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, medical technicians and other hospital support staff took part in the operation. The procedure was completed successfully and entirely according to plan, as a result of the team’s careful preparation, professionalism and excellent coordination.

The patient is in good overall health, while the postoperative period and recovery process are progressing as expected. This historic result is the fruit of Acibadem Sistina Clinical Hospital’s continued commitment to providing patients with the most advanced medical innovations and healthcare in line with the highest global standards. The introduction of robotic surgery represents a significant development both for the institution and for the advancement of healthcare.

THE SURGEON HAS FULL CONTROL OF THE ROBOTIC SYSTEM

The robot does not perform the surgical procedure on its own. The instruments move only under the full control of the surgeon, who operates the system from a dedicated console. The technology reproduces every movement made by the surgeon with exceptional precision, enabling steady and highly detailed procedures even in anatomical areas that are difficult to access. Through a high-resolution three-dimensional view, the surgeon can see the operating field clearly and at multiple levels of magnification.

According to Prof. Dr. Sotir Stavridis, the use of this minimally invasive method increases patient safety and significantly shortens recovery time.

Prof. Dr. Sotir Stavridis, a specialist in urology, said the integration of this sophisticated technology creates exceptional opportunities, as it allows the team to work with the highest level of microscopic precision and perform extremely complex surgical procedures. He emphasized that the minimally invasive approach simultaneously ensures maximum protection for patients and a significantly faster recovery. According to him, the operation was performed flawlessly and entirely according to plan, thanks to detailed preparation and excellent coordination among all members of the surgical team.

Dr. Aleksandar Mickovski was also part of the team of urologists involved in the procedure.

Dr. Aleksandar Mickovski described the use of the robot to perform such modern and complex operations as the greatest challenge in contemporary urology.

PRECISE ANESTHESIA PREPARATION AND CONTINUOUS COORDINATION

The team of anesthesiologists involved in the operation was led by the medical director of Acibadem Sistina Clinical Hospital, Dr. Emilija Mirçevska.

Dr. Mirçevska described the first robot-assisted operation as a moment of historic significance for the hospital. She thanked all members of the medical team for the hard work, dedication and professionalism that made this important step in medicine possible.

Dr. Emilija Mirçevska said the hospital is proud to provide patients with advanced surgical care and to make the latest medical technologies accessible to everyone. She said that, as an anesthesiologist, taking part in the hospital’s first robotic surgical procedure was both an honor and a source of professional pride. Dr. Mirçevska explained that anesthesia during robotic surgery has specific characteristics and requires precise preparation, careful monitoring and management of any possible changes in the body caused by the patient’s position during the operation and the insufflation of carbon dioxide. She added that procedures of this kind require high-level coordination and continuous communication among all members of the surgical team. According to her, this success confirms that the hospital possesses the knowledge, experience and capacity needed to implement the most modern medical technologies.

ADVANTAGES OF ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY

In modern urology, robot-assisted surgery represents a revolutionary development. Robotic instruments provide three-dimensional HD visualization, high precision and flexibility that surpass the natural limits of human hand movement. These features make it possible to perform dissections with exceptional accuracy while maximizing the preservation of vital anatomical structures.

For patients, this method means smaller surgical incisions, less blood loss, milder postoperative pain and a lower risk of complications. The benefits also include a shorter hospital stay, faster healing, an earlier return to daily activities and greater precision in protecting nerves, blood vessels and surrounding tissue.

The use of the robotic system is not only a technological advancement, but also marks the opening of an entirely new chapter in everyday surgical practice at Acibadem Sistina Clinical Hospital.

Acibadem Sistina Clinical Hospital will continue investing in innovative medical technologies, the development of expertise and the continuous education of its teams. Its sole aim is to provide higher-quality, safer and more efficient treatment and to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. As the use of this technology expands, robot-assisted surgery is expected to become the new gold standard for treating an increasing number of patients and performing more complex surgical procedures.

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According to the written statement, immediately after receiving the notification, the Epidemiology Department at the Public Health Center-Shtip began taking action in line with the national protocol for food-borne infections and intoxications. Epidemiologists promptly went to the scene, where they carried out an inspection at the facility operating as a food entity within the legal entity in TIDZ-Shtip.

The Public Health Center-Shtip said that an educational discussion was held with those responsible and with the staff regarding the way food is received, prepared, kept and stored. Appropriate measures and recommendations were also issued. According to the announcement, a general mechanical cleaning was ordered, urgent disinfection, disinsection and deratization of the facility were carried out, and immediate sanitary checks were also conducted for employees. In addition, samples were taken from the suspected food for microbiological analysis, as well as swabs from the kitchen work surfaces.

The statement also said that the Epidemiology Department of the PHI Public Health Center Shtip will closely monitor the situation in the coming days, inform the public and, if new cases emerge, take additional measures in accordance with legal regulations./Telegrafi/

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Klekovski explained that there are two ways to help reduce drug prices. According to him, the first is to include the medicine on the positive list, where a lower price can be secured through negotiations, since this list also provides access to state subsidies. The second is the entry of generic competition, an approach recommended by the World Health Organization.

He said that when only one brand appears on the positive list, the pharmaceutical company has very little reason to lower the price. By contrast, he added, the arrival of competition forces such a reduction, because a generic must enter the market at a lower price.

Speaking about specific examples, Klekovski first mentioned rivaroxaban (“Xarelto”), which cost 2,200 denars and was more expensive than in neighboring countries, which is why many citizens bought it abroad. With its inclusion on the positive list, he said, by the end of the year the price will be cut in half and will be cheaper than in Kosovo. From January 1, the co-payment for this medicine will be only 160 denars.

As a second case, he mentioned “Foster,” the inhalation therapy for asthma and COPD, which until now had been the only original medicine on the market. After its patent protection expired, the generic “Bloceta,” produced in the EU, appeared on the market, and its entry onto the positive list was made at a significantly lower price. As a result, the reference price in this category of medicines fell from 2,715 denars including VAT to 1,915 denars, a drop of 800 denars.

He stressed that this reduction made it possible for “Bloceta” to be offered to patients without an extra charge, while at the same time creating pressure on the manufacturer of the original medicine “Foster” (formoterol/beclometasone) to lower its price as well.

According to Klekovski, after three weeks of communication, the manufacturer of “Foster” informed them yesterday that it accepts selling this medicine in pharmacies in Macedonia at the new reference price of 1,915 denars. This means the medicine will be available without an extra charge and only with a co-payment of 280 denars, or 20 denars less than before. He clarified that the new price will take effect once the current quantities already supplied to pharmacies are sold. “I expect that from August 1, ‘Foster’ will be without an extra charge. ‘Bloceta’ is already available without an extra charge,” Klekovski said.

He added that the around 50 million denars saved from the 800-denar reduction in the reference price of “Foster” will not be used to buy vehicles, but by the end of the year will be used to introduce a newer-generation medicine for patients with asthma and COPD.

In conclusion, Klekovski assessed that price changes in such categories of medicines often meet resistance, because halving the price also means halving the profits of pharmaceutical companies, as well as retail sales margins.

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