# North Macedonia healthcare system modernization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-healthcare-system-modernization > Updated: 2026-10-02T15:08:43.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4. North Macedonia is implementing several initiatives to modernize and strengthen its healthcare system. The Ministry of Health introduced the Digital Health Strategy 2026–2030, which focuses on centralizing patient medical data to improve care continuity and prevent redundant testing. This plan includes upgrading the ‘Moje Zdravje’ portal to provide citizens with access to e-prescriptions and remote consultations, while establishing a legal framework for telemedicine. A national data center near Skopje is planned as part of this EU-supported digital transformation. In tandem with digital upgrades, the government is addressing staffing shortages. Minister of Health Sasho Klekovski announced plans to complete the registration process for employing 300 private medical specialists within public healthcare institutions by the end of 2026. To combat regional disparities, priority for these new roles will be given to hospitals located outside of Skopje. Recent efforts have focused on upgrading regional facilities to ensure patients can receive treatment locally. In Kičevo, the General Hospital is receiving new medical equipment, including digital X-ray, mammography, 3D/4D ultrasound, and an immunological analyzer. The ministry has already permanently employed four specialists and four general practitioners there, with more recruitment underway. In Struga, the Specialized Hospital for Nephrology is being modernized with new dialysis machines and anesthesiology equipment. Similar diagnostic and staffing improvements are being targeted in Kërçovë to reduce the necessity of traveling to Skopje for care. To further address delays in medical appointments and test results, Klekovski is exploring new solutions to mitigate the impact of personnel shortages. One proposal involves delegating simple diagnostic tasks, such as monitoring blood pressure and glucose levels, to trained healthcare workers like nurses or pharmacists. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Health Minister Klekovski announces hospital upgrades in Kičevo and Struga North Macedonia’s Health Minister Sasho Klekovski announced equipment upgrades and staffing increases for hospitals in Kičevo, Struga, and Kërçovë while pursuing long-term new hospital construction projects. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/general-hospital-kicevo-receives-new-medical-equipment-and-staff ### 2026-09-29: North Macedonia explores new solutions for medical appointment shortages North Macedonia's Health Minister Sasho Klekovski is considering allowing nurses and pharmacists to perform basic medical checks to combat appointment shortages and high cardiovascular mortality rates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-explores-new-solutions-for-medical-appointment-shortages ### 2026-09-25: North Macedonia to employ 300 medical specialists by 2026 North Macedonia's Health Minister Sasho Klekovski announced plans to employ 300 medical specialists in public hospitals by 2026, prioritizing regional facilities outside Skopje. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-to-employ-300-medical-specialists-by-2026 ### 2026-09-21: North Macedonia unveils Digital Health Strategy 2026–2030 North Macedonia has unveiled its Digital Health Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to centralize patient data via the ‘Moje Zdravje’ portal and expand telemedicine services by 2030. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-macedonia-unveils-digital-health-strategy-20262030 --- Cite as: North Macedonia healthcare system modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-macedonia-healthcare-system-modernization