MS patients will no longer have to travel to Skopje monthly for treatment

North Macedonia's Health Ministry has announced new protocols that will allow multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment to be delivered in regional hospitals, so patients will no longer need to travel to Skopje every month for medication or treatment. Health Minister Saso Klekovski said the Neurology Clinic follows about 2,000 MS patients, of whom 1,800 are receiving active treatment.

Treatment will initially be offered at three regional centres: Shtip Clinical Hospital, St. Erasmus Hospital in Ohrid and the 8 September City General Hospital in Skopje. The number of patients treated at regional centres is expected to rise from 618 to 692 as patients in border areas choose their preferred centre. University Neurology Clinic director Yovan Bojinovski said each centre will have a responsible neurologist, a pharmacist and trained nurses.

The first stage will take place at the Neurology Clinic, with checks every six or twelve months supported by a digital medical board. Patients who prefer to stay in Skopje can continue treatment at the Neurology Clinic there, and their choice will not affect their treatment rights.