Macedonia's Health Minister Azir Aliu reports a year of reforms and EU health programme entry

Health Minister Azir Aliu said the worth of a minister is judged by achievements rather than tenure, noting that his one‑year term has already highlighted systemic weaknesses in Macedonia's health system. He announced that on 24 June the country will join the EU's "EU4Health" programme, gaining access to funding and expertise.

Aliu outlined a new direction for the health sector: a system that plans, measures, digitises and responds to citizens' needs. The ministry has begun a digital transformation, introducing transparent waiting‑list registries, tele‑medicine services in Debar and Delčevo, and new ambulances. Regional hospitals in Štip, Tetovo, Kičevo, Strumica, Bitola and other centres have received infrastructure upgrades, and 100 new ambulatory vehicles have been procured. Efforts also focus on staff planning, specialist training, and better remuneration. A draft law to ban tobacco‑related products in public spaces was also presented.

Aliu stressed that the reforms are ongoing and that the health system must become preventive, not only reactive, as it moves toward a fully digital, equitable and regionally balanced service for Macedonian citizens.