Skopje, 26 March 2025 (MIA) - The number of patients receiving treatment abroad is currently 113, and it is expected that five more patients injured in the Kochani nightclub fire will return today, four from Spain and one from Greece, Health Minister Arben Taravari said at Wednesday’s press conference.

“We have good news for those receiving treatment abroad. Today, the number has decreased from 115 to 113 patients currently being treated. Yesterday, one patient returned from Serbia, and one female patient returned from Bulgaria. Today, five patients are returning, four from Spain and one from Greece. By the end of the day, 108 patients will be receiving treatment abroad,” Taravari said.

He added that four more patients are expected to return, and more details will be shared tomorrow.

As per protocol, the patients returning today will be under at least 24-hour observation. If the medical team decides they can be discharged, they will either be sent home for treatment or remain at one of the clinics.

At the moment, Taravari said that 23 patients injured in the Kochani nightclub fire are receiving treatment in the country, while more than 20 have been discharged for home care. There are only four patients at the Clinical Center, two in the Plastic Surgery Clinic and two in the Toxicology Clinic. In the 8 September City General Hospital, nine patients are being treated, with one scheduled for discharge, while four patients are receiving care at Sistina private hospital. All of these patients are stable and in good condition. 

Taravari said that they will announce in the coming days when the patients receiving treatment in the hospitals, will be discharged. He expects that more than half of them will be discharged within the next 5-6 days, while those who have had surgery will need to stay in the hospital for a longer period.

In response to a journalist’s question, Taravari said that most of the patients returning today have burn injuries. He confirmed that the condition of the four patients in critical condition receiving treatment abroad remain very serious but stable.

He also noted that for the time being, patients coming from abroad will be admitted to the clinics.

“In the meantime, we have received offers from certain countries for patients who are in more critical condition and need long-term rehabilitation, allowing them to stay abroad for an extended period. However, we are also considering setting up a rehabilitation centre within the country for those who will require longer rehabilitation. Currently, we haven't decided on a centre, but we are considering 2-3 possible options. We will notify you once a crisis HQ makes a decision,” Health Minister Taravari said.

Photo: MIA