Skopje, 14 March 2024 (MIA) - Equal access to treatment and optimal care for kidney patients is the focus of World Kidney Day, which was observed Thursday at the Skopje-based University Clinic of Nephrology.

Health Minister Ilir Demiri said two kidney transplantations were performed yesterday, and on the initiative of the Ministry of Health, a campaign has been launched to sensitize and screen 2,000 patients, which will be carried out throughout the country.

During 2023, Demiri stated, the Clinic of Nephrology performed 13,500 examinations, around 3,400 hospitalizations, and almost 600 x-rays. In addition, the Ministry of Health provided 3,200 hepatitis B vaccines, as a vaccination protocol for all patients.

"All this indicates that kidney disease is being prioritized by the Ministry of Health, as well as our diligence to address the issue and help everyone," Demiri said.

The Health Insurance Fund, he added, completely covers the costs of those who require hemodialysis, even those without insurance.

Clinic director Irena Rambabova Bushljetikj noted that the global campaign marking World Kidney Day started in 2006, and it is usually observed during the second week of March.

"World Kidney Day is organized every year, since 2006, with the aim of taking note of the most current topics and issues in the interest of health policies. During the last few years there has been a series of events under the motto 'Kidney Health for All,' and another subtitle that changes throughout the year," Rambabova Bushljetikj said.

She added that compared to previous years, this year emphasis is on ensuring equal access to treatment and optimal treatment.

"The emphasis is on prevention and new drug treatments that are being made available to patients who have such a medical indication," Rambabova Bushljetikj stressed. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA