[REVISION HISTORY]

North Macedonia healthcare system modernization

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-30 01:39 UTC → 2026-10-03 00:13 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. This initiative aims to increase diagnostic access in areas where doctors are unavailable, particularly as the country faces high mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases. Data from 2025 showed 6,888 deaths from these conditions, a rate of 37.4 per 1,000 inhabitants, highlighting the risks posed by undiagnosed diabetes and cardiovascular issues.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.