North Macedonia oncology patients face PET scanner shortage

Oncology patients in North Macedonia have been unable to access the country’s only state-owned PET/CT scanner for two months, forcing some to pay up to 1,300 euros for private examinations.

The service disruption is due to a technical issue with the diffusion pump's oil heater, requiring the replacement of high-vacuum oil. The necessary oil, Santovac 5, is produced by the US-based company Santolubes and is classified as a dual-use product. Consequently, the repair is delayed while NET-Elektroniks, the company responsible for servicing the equipment, awaits special export licenses from the United States and the European Union.

The Health Insurance Fund (FSSH) has stated it is unable to reimburse patients for the private costs incurred during this period.