Skopje, 30 May 2024 (MIA) - Health Minister Ilir Demiri has sent a letter to the Government Thursday, requesting urgently and immediately to replace the compressor station at the Skopje’s clinical center to ensure the functioning of operating rooms (OR), which have been closed for 13 days.

Demiri, as stated in the Ministry of Health's social media post, has also requested that all work around the installation of the new compressor station be completed, as well as all accompanying elements for the uninterrupted and continuous functioning of the surgical block.

"I want to underline, it’s about people's lives and the state's interests. As the Minister of Health, I appeal and hope for understanding, even though I am fully aware that we are in an election process before the formation of a new government. However, people's lives and state interests are more important than anything," Demiri stated in the letter to the Government.

Operating rooms (OR) at Skopje’s clinical complex had been built almost 30 years ago, Health Minister Ilir Demiri told a news conference Monday, adding that outdoor air compressors will be used until a valid document for their proper functioning is obtained.

A defect in the compressor station has caused the problem, according to the minister, who also said that analyzes from Germany are pending as well as an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Emergency cases are redirected to two other general hospitals in Skopje. 

Photo: MIA archive