Macedonia health ministry notes rise in short-term sickness and gastroenteritis decline in Gostivar

The Macedonian health ministry reported that the number of short-term illnesses (lasting up to 30 days) increased by 33% in 2025 compared with 2021, reaching over 300,000 cases. The most common causes were upper‑respiratory infections and gastroenteritis. Long‑term illnesses (over 30 days) remained stable at around 25,000 per year, though the funds paid out for them rose sharply. Minister of Health Sasho Klekovski said the data underline the need to balance easier access to sick leave with tighter controls to prevent abuse.

In the town of Gostivar, the situation with gastroenteritis continued to stabilise. The General Hospital "Dr. Ferid Murad" recorded 108 new examinations, a 41% drop from the same period in the previous year, while the local health centre saw 87 visits, down 21%. Hospitalisations were minimal, indicating a positive trend in controlling the outbreak, according to the ministry.