The Minister of Health, Arben Taravari, has stated that all individuals, including doctors, who have committed wrongdoing in connection with a widespread healthcare corruption scheme should be held accountable. This statement follows a police operation that exposed a network of 50 individuals involved in providing care allowances and disability pensions based on false diagnoses.

The investigation revealed the involvement of doctors, members of a commission within the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIOM), a lawyer, an expert witness, and a manager of a consulting bureau. These individuals are suspected of criminal association, abuse of official position, aiding and abetting, accepting bribes, giving bribes, receiving rewards for illegal influence, and giving rewards.

Searches were conducted at medical offices, a law office, and official locations where the suspected doctors work, including the “Mother Teresa” Clinical Center in Skopje, the Clinical Hospital Tetovo, and the General Hospital Veles. The Bureau of Public Security carried out the operation in several cities across the country, targeting organized crime and corruption within the healthcare system.

Minister Taravari emphasized his support for the actions taken and highlighted his prompt response to initial allegations by dismissing the director of Geriatrics, who was also a member of his party, and subsequently excluding him from the party. He affirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to assisting in efforts to combat crime and corruption within the healthcare sector.