Skopje, 11 March 2026 (MIA) – On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the deadly nightclub fire in Kochani, the government on Saturday (March 14) will host an international conference “Institutional and clinical aspects and solutions after the Kochani fire, one year on”, which will bring together institution representatives, heath experts, representatives of international organizations and charity partners. The conference, also attended by doctors and healthcare professionals from 37 countries that offered assistance in treating burn victims, aims at making a comprehensive analysis of the response to the tragedy from first response and saving of lives, to long-term treatment, rehabilitation and systemic solutions for the future.

“From day one, a commitment was made that the state will support the process of treatment, rehabilitation and recovery and that the tragedy will be turned into motivation to improve institutional capacities and system readiness. This promise today is being fulfilled through concrete measures, cooperation with domestic and international partners and by improving health and crisis management mechanisms,” Government spokeswoman Marija Miteva said Wednesday.

Commemoration one year on isn’t the only goal of the government, she said. “The goal is to demonstrate accountability and establishment of a system that is stronger, more organized and ready to respond to crisis situations. One year on, the government remains committed to the promise that support for victims, the injured and their families and for the health system will be continuing and systemic,” Miteva told a news conference.

The day when the tragedy struck, she said, was the day when time froze for many families and a moment that revealed the power of solidarity.

“Health workers, institutions, services and the local community mobilized. The state reacted and our partners demonstrated that solidarity is not only a principle, but also a concrete support when most needed. In the hour of need, thanks to the state’s coordinated response and the support from European and regional health systems, human lives were saved and treatment for severe burn victims was provided,” Miteva said.

According to her, Saturday’s conference’s special value is the attendance of 37 doctors and nurses from abroad that were directly involved in the treatment of burn victims.

The government spokeswoman said that the formal opening will be followed by a commemoration serving “as a reminder that behind every tragedy lie human stories.” The conference will also feature several panels.

One of the panels, she said, will be focused on the European mechanism for civil protection and international response, solidarity and experiences. The conference will also focus on national and international healthcare response and acute burns treatment.

Long-term monitoring and improving the quality of life of the survivors will be also in focus.

Future solutions and systemic steps taken by the institutions will be part of the closing session, said Miteva.

The doctors and health workers invited to attend the conference come from several countries in the region, including Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, as well as Austria, Latvia, Poland, Sweden and Lithuania.