Macedonia oncology patients protest drug shortage as mayor pledges aid

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) voiced full support for cancer patients planning to protest outside the Ministry of Health, condemning repeated shortages of oncology therapy and demanding accountability, transparency and a plan to prevent future gaps. The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) criticised the selective nature of aid, noting that only 456 of the 1,200 applicants would receive a one‑time cash payment while the rest remain without support. Skopje mayor Orce Gjorgievski announced that the 456 patients will receive the assistance within two days, describing it as a humanitarian response. A clinic for radiotherapy and oncology confirmed a temporary delay in drug deliveries caused by increased consumption, procurement cycles and distributor shortages, but said most medicines have now been supplied and the remaining batches are expected within the week.