North Macedonia marks World Stroke Day with public health screenings

To observe World Stroke Day, the Ministry of Health and the Clinic for Neurology organized public awareness and prevention activities across several cities in North Macedonia. During a central event in Skopje, 147 citizens received free preventive screenings, including 160 Doppler examinations. Medical officials reported that approximately 50 percent of those screened showed significant findings, with 30 percent referred for further testing at the Clinic for Neurology.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski emphasized the critical importance of rapid response and accessible radiological diagnostics, noting that time is a decisive factor in treating strokes. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to decentralize multiple sclerosis therapy, which has expanded to hospitals in Shtip and Ohrid, with plans to include facilities in Tetovo, Prilep, and Strumica.

Dr. Jovan Bozhinovski, Director of the Clinic for Neurology, stressed that timely symptom recognition is vital for reducing disability and saving lives. The Ministry also indicated future collaborations with the University Clinical Center Ljubljana to address progress regarding Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.