About 40 nurses leave North Macedonia's public health system each month

Shortages of nurses, health technicians, midwives and dental assistants are growing in North Macedonia. It is reported that about 40 nurses leave the public health system every month. Low wages, poor working conditions and criticism that merit is not respected in hiring are cited as the main causes.

Some nurses move to European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Croatia for higher pay and better conditions, while others join private health institutions. Some leave the profession altogether. The shortage is especially felt in intensive care units, operating theatres and hospital wards. According to the report, the country has about 9,200 nurses, and roughly double that number is said to be needed for health facilities to function normally.

The report calls for a dedicated law regulating the nursing profession, secure employment for staff on temporary contracts, and reduced political influence in hospital management. It warns that the shortage could grow if necessary structural reforms are not implemented. The story was published by the newspaper Jurnal.