North Macedonia probes claims of unnecessary heart surgeries as scandal rattles health sector
By BalkanView Team
North Macedonia has launched a sweeping investigation into allegations that at least ten patients underwent unnecessary heart surgeries in clinics across the country, a revelation that has shaken public trust in the Balkan state’s healthcare system and triggered calls for full transparency.
A commission appointed by Health Minister Azir Aliu confirmed this week that ten out of 25 reviewed cases involved cardiac surgeries or referrals carried out without proper medical indication. The findings follow public claims by prominent cardiologist Dr. Sashko Kedev, who alleged in August that some private hospitals had performed invasive procedures solely for profit.
The preliminary report, presented on Thursday, stops short of naming the clinics or doctors involved, citing ongoing analysis and ethical concerns. But officials said the review has already identified troubling patterns.
“We concluded that a significant number of the reported cases involved patients who were improperly referred or improperly operated on,” said Dr. Nenci Lozanche, a member of the internal commission overseeing cardiology and cardiac surgery cases. “A final report will follow once the methodology is completed.”
Commission chair Dr. Zharko Hristovski said the team had so far analysed angiographic findings and available medical documentation, but further work was needed before submitting final assessments to prosecutors or the ministry.
“This is a preliminary report,” he told reporters. “We are somewhere just before the halfway point. These are human lives, not just financial matters.”
Foreign experts to join the investigation
Minister Aliu said a second phase of the inquiry will include consultations with three international medical experts, who will review the domestic commission’s conclusions.
“When both commissions complete their analyses, we will present a final report that will guide future health policies in this field,” Aliu said.
The ministry said it is not yet disclosing whether the operations endangered patients’ lives, whether complications occurred, or how much the questionable procedures cost the state insurance fund.
Scrutiny widens beyond private hospitals
Although the allegations first centred on private clinics, the commission expanded its review to all institutions performing cardiac interventions, including state hospitals. The 25 cases submitted to the Health Insurance Fund came from both healthcare providers and individual patients. Nineteen have been analysed; six have been forwarded to the State Health and Sanitary Inspectorate for further action.
The next phase will include deeper audits in both public and private hospitals treating cardiovascular disease.
Political pressure mounts
The opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM) has demanded that the government immediately publish the names of the clinics and doctors involved, arguing that withholding information undermines public trust and leaves room for manipulation.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” the party said in a statement. “If the minister already confirmed that unnecessary operations occurred, there is no justification for hiding where they happened.”
The scandal comes at a time when North Macedonia’s healthcare system is already under strain, with shortages of specialist staff and recurring disputes over funding and transparency.
Families waiting for answers
For now, affected patients and their families must wait for the final report, expected after the international review. Authorities have not yet said what accountability measures – disciplinary, administrative, or criminal – may follow.
What is clear is that the case has struck a nerve in a country where healthcare scandals often spark public outcry and where citizens rely heavily on the state system for major procedures.
As the investigation deepens, pressure is growing on the government to demonstrate that the system can police itself – and to ensure that what officials describe as “unethical and unnecessary surgeries” cannot happen again.