Skopje oncology medical negligence trial

The trial concerning the “Oncology” case is ongoing at the Basic Criminal Court in Skopje. Former director of the Clinic for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Nino Vasev, along with oncologists Simonida Cërvenkova and Dragan Jakimovski, face charges of negligent treatment and continuous serious offenses against human health. The prosecution alleges that 47 patients received inappropriate therapies involving dosage deviations and inadequate health assessments. Previously, oncologist Meri Peshevska admitted guilt and received a two-year suspended sentence.

During court proceedings, medical expert Vladimir Danillovski has provided testimony regarding the clinical parameters used to evaluate the quality and efficacy of oncological therapies. He noted that proving a causal link between a doctor’s specific decision and resulting harm—such as accelerated fatal outcomes—is essential, stating that “mere deviations from dosage guidelines are insufficient for conviction.”

In subsequent sessions, the expert detailed criteria including overall survival, progression-free survival, and tumor response rates. While the defense contested the questioning by arguing the expert failed to compare different treatment types for specific patients, the court rejected these objections. Additionally, the court denied Nikola Vasev’s request to exclude the prosecution’s technical advisor, Dr. Milan Risteski.