Macedonia oncology drug shortage

In early August 2026, patients with cancer in North Macedonia staged protests over repeated shortages of oncology medicines. The Liberal Democratic Party backed the demonstrators, while the mayor of Skopje, Orce Gjorgievski, promised one‑time cash assistance for 456 of the 1,200 applicants and said the remaining drug batches would arrive within the week. A radiotherapy clinic confirmed a temporary delay caused by higher consumption, procurement cycles and distributor gaps, but reported that most medicines had already been supplied.

Two days later, a new shipment arrived at the same clinic, easing the shortage for breast and colorectal cancer treatments. The patient association HEMA‑ONCO and the "Butterflies" support group warned that intermittent deliveries have persisted across governments and called for a national strategy to ensure continuous therapy. Deputy Health Minister Jovica Andovski met the groups, highlighted a record increase in the oncology budget and outlined steps to secure a reliable supply chain, pledging public reporting of any future shortages.