AGP Executive Report

BCG Vaccination: North Macedonia has paused use of the Bulgarian-made BCG vaccine as a precaution while reports of possible side effects in Croatia are investigated. Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said the implicated batches have expired and are not being used in the country; UNICEF is helping secure Japanese-made doses for a year to keep children’s vaccinations on schedule. Bulgaria says two of four Croatian reports recorded doses ten times the prescribed amount, and no vaccine quality problem has been established.

BCG Vaccine Check: North Macedonia has paused use of Bulgaria’s BCG vaccine as a precaution while reports of suspected reactions in Croatia are investigated. Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said the implicated batches have expired and are not in use in North Macedonia; an agreement with UNICEF will provide Japanese vaccines for a year. Bulgaria says two Croatian reports recorded doses ten times the prescribed amount, and no vaccine quality problem has been established. Cancer Treatment Claims: A prosecutor in Thessaloniki is investigating a clinic linked to a company founded in Skopje that promotes an unproven cancer treatment. The clinic’s claims have not been verified; patients are reportedly charged €5,000–€8,000 per session.

Mosquito-Borne Disease: West Nile virus cases and deaths have been reported across 16 European countries, according to recent figures. Most infections are mild or symptom-free, but severe illness can affect the brain and nervous system; mosquito-bite prevention remains important. Access to Care: North Macedonia’s president says she will not intervene in the Kočani court case involving Iva Mihaylova, whose serious spinal injuries reportedly require treatment unavailable in the country. A court has denied her permission to travel to Bulgaria for care. Cancer Treatment Claims: Greek authorities are investigating a Thessaloniki practice linked to a company established in Skopje. The practice reportedly claims an electrical device can treat all cancers; sessions cost €5,000–€8,000, and its doctor is registered as a surgeon, not an oncologist.

UE Nations League (Sports, Skopje link): Spain beat Croatia 2-1 with two goals from Mikel Merino to reach the quarter-finals, while England booked their place after a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, with Harry Kane scoring twice. Regional Health & Justice (North Macedonia): President Gordana Siljanovska said she won’t interfere in the Iva Mihaylova case, stressing judicial independence after reports that she was blocked from leaving for medical treatment in Bulgaria; a later hearing also raised concerns about a forensic doctor’s questioning and possible gaps in the investigation. Healthcare Safety (North Macedonia/region): A Greek report says a Thessaloniki clinic offering “electrical” alternative cancer treatment is under scrutiny after claims it can treat all cancers without radiation or side effects; the practice reportedly charges €5,000–€8,000 per session. Public Health (Europe): West Nile virus warnings continue after outbreaks across 16 European countries, with severe illness and deaths reported. Medicines Trade (North Macedonia link): The US exempted certain specialty drugs (including for rare diseases and cell/gene therapies) from ad valorem tariffs, with North Macedonia listed among eligible markets. AMR (EU accession support): An EU-led assessment in Albania will review antimicrobial resistance systems across hospitals, labs, and primary care, aiming to produce a national roadmap.

Nations League, Health Angle: Scotland’s first international window under Sebastien Pocognoli continues today with a Nations League trip to Hampden Park vs Slovenia, after a 2-0 win over North Macedonia in Skopje—an example of how travel and match load can affect athlete recovery and injury risk. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): EU experts are set to assess Albania’s AMR situation across hospitals, primary care, labs, and animal health, aiming to strengthen surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention—work that matters for the wider Western Balkans region, including North Macedonia. Cancer Care Safety: Greek authorities report a Thessaloniki clinic offering costly “alternative” cancer treatment claims, including electrical energy to “destroy cancer cells,” prompting a prosecutor’s intervention—an important reminder for patients to verify oncology credentials and evidence-based care. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus is being reported across multiple European countries, with severe illness in a small share of cases—mosquito protection and early medical advice remain key. Medicines Trade: The US has exempted certain specialty drugs and ingredients (including orphan drugs, cell/gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates) from 100% tariffs for eligible jurisdictions that include North Macedonia, potentially easing access and supply planning. Tobacco Control: Serbia will introduce larger graphic smoking-cessation warnings on packs from June 1, 2027, building on regional tobacco control efforts that include North Macedonia.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): EU experts from the European Commission, ECDC and EFSA are assessing Albania’s AMR situation across hospitals, primary care, labs, and animal and food systems, aiming to produce a national roadmap with clear actions and indicators. Cancer Care Oversight: A Greek probe into a Thessaloniki clinic allegedly offering “electrical energy” cancer treatment says the company behind it was set up in Skopje and that the doctor is registered as a surgeon, not an oncologist, with session costs reported at €5,000–€8,000. Forensic Case Scrutiny: In North Macedonia’s Iva Mihaylova case, a forensic doctor faced surprise additional questioning over whether key vehicle materials and strips were properly examined, raising concerns about gaps in the investigation. Emergency Medical Procurement: Serbia’s Alta Group is set to supply ambulances to the Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework, highlighting regional investment in emergency services. Pharma Trade: The US exempted certain specialty medicines and ingredients (including categories relevant to rare diseases and advanced therapies) from a 100% tariff for North Macedonia and other jurisdictions, potentially easing costs for qualifying products. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus is being reported across multiple European countries, with severe illness and deaths noted in recent data, underscoring mosquito-bite prevention.

Medical Procurement: Serbia’s Alta Group says it will supply up to 148 ambulances to North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework deal, with pricing cited as potentially higher than some past purchases but not necessarily fully spent under the agreement. Cancer Care Scrutiny: A clinic in Thessaloniki linked to a Skopje company is under investigation after claims it offers “cancer treatment” using alternative electrical-energy methods, with prosecutors questioning whether the doctor is properly registered as an oncologist. Forensic Case Watch: In North Macedonia’s Kočani, the Iva Mihaylova case continues with further questioning of a forensic doctor, concerns about missing or unexamined materials, and allegations of withheld information. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with reports of severe illness and deaths in multiple countries; health authorities urge mosquito-bite prevention. Trade & Medicines: The US has exempted specialty drugs (including rare-disease and cell/gene therapies) and related ingredients from a planned 100% tariff for eligible jurisdictions, including North Macedonia.

Healthcare Procurement: Alta Group will supply up to 148 ambulances to North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework agreement, with the deal reported at 1.5 billion dinars total. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with warnings after cases and deaths reported in multiple countries; health authorities stress mosquito-bite prevention and monitoring for severe symptoms. Cancer Care Oversight: A Thessaloniki clinic is under scrutiny after complaints it offers costly “alternative” cancer treatment claims using electrical-energy equipment, with concerns raised about the operator’s registration and the lack of oncology credentials. Forensic/Medical-legal Case: In Kočani, further questioning of a forensic doctor in the Iva Mihaylova case focused on whether construction materials and non-seized car strips were examined, adding to concerns about gaps in the investigation. Tobacco Control: Serbia is moving to larger, photo-based health warnings on cigarette packs from June 1, 2027, including graphic images and quit-support information. Trade & Medicines: The US exempted specialty drugs (rare diseases, fertility, cell/gene therapies, ADCs) and key ingredients from a planned 100% tariff for North Macedonia and 19 other jurisdictions.

Emergency Care Procurement: Alta Group will supply up to 148 ambulances to North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework agreement, with the total deal valued at 1.5 billion dinars. Patient Access & Court Process: North Macedonia denied entry to Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev for an Iva Mihaylova court hearing in Kočani, with Bulgarian officials calling the move provocative and citing unpaid court costs. Cancer Treatment Scrutiny: A Thessaloniki clinic investigated by Greek media is accused of offering expensive “alternative” cancer treatment using an electrical-energy machine, with the operator registered as a surgeon but not an oncologist. Forensic Case Update: In the Mihaylova case, a forensic doctor faced additional questioning after concerns about withheld or unexamined materials and gaps in the investigation, including discussion of whether construction materials could have caused injuries. Public Health Alerts: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with severe illness and deaths noted; health authorities urge mosquito-bite prevention. Pharma Trade Policy: The US exempted select specialty drugs and ingredients (including rare disease, fertility, cell/gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates) from 100% tariffs, and North Macedonia is listed among eligible jurisdictions.

Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with reports of cases in 16 countries and the Netherlands adding new infections; health authorities warn symptoms can be flu-like but a small share can develop severe illness affecting the brain and nervous system. Healthcare Oversight: A Greek prosecutor moved after complaints about a Thessaloniki clinic allegedly offering “cancer treatment” via alternative electrical-energy methods; the practice is said to be registered as a surgeon, not an oncologist, and sessions can cost €5,000–€8,000. Medical Justice in Focus: In North Macedonia’s Kočani case involving Iva Mihaylova, a forensic doctor faced additional questioning amid claims of gaps in the investigation and concerns about materials not being seized or examined. Access & Mobility: Bulgaria’s parliamentary committee heard arguments over North Macedonia denying entry to Committee Chair Angel Georgiev for a hearing tied to Mihaylova’s medical treatment. Drug Policy/Trade: The US exempted certain specialty medicines and ingredients from 100% tariffs, and North Macedonia is listed among eligible jurisdictions for zero-tariff treatment on specific rare-disease and advanced therapy categories.

Forensic-justice case in Kočani: Iva Mihaylova’s trial saw a surprise extra round of questioning of a forensic doctor, with concerns raised about gaps in the investigation and whether key vehicle strips were examined; the next hearing is set for Nov. 9. Cross-border access to care: Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev was denied entry to North Macedonia for the hearing, reportedly linked to unpaid court costs, while Mihaylova says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment abroad. Cancer-care probe in Greece: A Skopje-linked clinic in Thessaloniki is under scrutiny after claims it offers “cancer treatment” using alternative electrical-energy methods, with prosecutors questioning the doctor’s oncology registration and the high costs. Public health warning on West Nile virus: Europe-wide alerts continue as West Nile virus spreads; the Netherlands reported deaths and hospital cases, and symptoms are often mistaken for flu early on. Specialty-drug tariff relief (trade + medicines): The US exempted certain specialty medicines and ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, and North Macedonia is listed among eligible jurisdictions—covering areas like rare diseases, fertility, cell/gene therapies and antibody-drug conjugates. Emergency medical procurement: Serbia’s Alta Group is set to supply ambulances for the Ministry of Health under a framework agreement, with up to 148 vehicles planned over 48 months.

Medical Procurement: Serbia’s Alta Group is set to supply ambulances to North Macedonia’s Ministry of Health under a 48-month framework agreement, with up to 148 vehicles planned. Cross-Border Care & Court Case: In Kočani, the trial of Bulgarian-North Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova continues as she says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment abroad; Monday’s hearing ran over 10 hours with further questioning of a forensic doctor and concerns raised about missing or unexamined materials, while Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev was reportedly denied entry to attend. Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with serious illness and deaths noted in several places; health authorities are urging mosquito-bite prevention. Tobacco Control: Serbia is moving toward larger, graphic smoking-cessation warnings on cigarette packs from June 2027, including images tied to cancer and severe disease. Pharma Trade: The US has exempted certain specialty drugs and ingredients (including rare disease and cell/gene therapies) from a planned 100% tariff, and North Macedonia is listed among eligible jurisdictions.

West Nile Virus Alert: A potentially lethal West Nile virus outbreak is being reported across Europe, with the Netherlands adding cases after 56 infections and nine deaths; health officials warn symptoms can be flu-like but severe illness can include meningitis, encephalitis, and paralysis. Cross-Border Health Access Dispute: North Macedonia’s refusal to let Bulgarian MP/committee chair Angel Georgiev enter the country has been linked to the case of Iva Mihaylova, who says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment in Bulgaria after a 2025 road accident left her unable to travel. Court Case Update (Mihaylova): A long hearing in Kočani included additional questioning of a forensic doctor and concerns raised about gaps in the investigation, with the next hearing set for November 9. Questionable Cancer Treatment Probe: Greek authorities have intervened after complaints about a Thessaloniki clinic allegedly offering expensive “alternative” cancer treatment claims using electrical energy to destroy cancer cells. US Pharma Tariff Exemption (Trade + Access): The US has exempted select specialty medicines and ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, including categories such as orphan drugs, fertility treatments, cell/gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates—covering North Macedonia among 20 eligible jurisdictions. Bee Health Risk: Experts in North Macedonia are discussing containment as the invasive Tropilaelaps mite reaches Turkey, raising fears for European honey bees.

Cross-border healthcare access dispute: North Macedonia denied entry to Bulgarian MP and committee chair Angel Georgiev to attend a Kočani hearing in the Iva Mihaylova case, where she says she needs treatment abroad after her documents were seized following a 2025 road crash. Court scrutiny in a medical-treatment case: The latest Mihaylova hearing ran for over 10 hours, with additional questioning of a forensic doctor and concerns raised about gaps in the investigation and whether key materials were properly examined. Public health warning: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with serious illness and deaths noted in several; health authorities are urging mosquito-bite prevention. Cancer-treatment red flag abroad: A Thessaloniki-linked clinic is under investigation over claims of “cancer treatment” using alternative electrical-energy methods, with questions about the doctor’s registration and the evidence behind universal cancer claims. Tobacco cessation and warnings: Serbia is set to introduce graphic smoking-cessation and health-warning images on cigarette packs from June 1, 2027, including messages tied to lung cancer and other diseases. Pharma trade impact: The US exempted select specialty drugs and ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, listing North Macedonia among eligible jurisdictions for certain rare-disease and advanced therapies.

Cancer Care Scrutiny: A Skopje-linked clinic in Thessaloniki is under investigation after complaints that it offers “cancer treatment” using alternative electrical-energy claims, including promises to treat all cancer types; prosecutors have stepped in and the doctor is registered as a surgeon, not an oncologist. Forensic Case Update: In Kočani, the trial of Iva Mihaylova continued for over 10 hours with additional questioning of a forensic doctor and concerns raised about gaps in the investigation; the next hearing is set for November 9. Cross-Border Access to Treatment: Mihaylova says her health is deteriorating and she needs treatment in Bulgaria for spinal injuries, while a Bulgarian MP was reportedly denied entry to North Macedonia for the hearing. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with warnings that severe illness can occur in a small share of cases; health authorities urge mosquito-prevention measures. Tobacco Warning Labels (Regional): Serbia is moving to graphic smoking-cessation warnings on cigarette packs from June 1, 2027, including images tied to lung and mouth cancer. Pharma Trade Policy: The US has exempted certain specialty medicines and ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, listing North Macedonia among eligible jurisdictions for specific categories like rare-disease drugs, fertility treatments, and cell/gene therapies.

Forensic Case in Kočani: The latest hearing in the Iva Mihaylova road-accident trial in North Macedonia ran for over 10 hours, with prosecutors and defence disputing forensic findings, including claims that certain vehicle materials were not properly examined and that gaps may exist in the investigation. Cross-Border Medical Access: Bulgarian MPs say Mihaylova’s health is deteriorating and that she needs treatment abroad for spinal injuries; her documents were reportedly seized after the crash, limiting travel for care. Court Attendance Blocked: Vazrazhdane MP Angel Georgiev was reportedly denied entry to North Macedonia for the hearing, raising further concerns about access and process. Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is being reported across 16 European countries, with serious cases and deaths noted in several places; health authorities are urging mosquito-bite prevention. US Pharma Tariff Relief (Regional Impact): The US exempted certain specialty drugs and ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, including products for rare diseases, fertility, cell/gene therapies and antibody-drug conjugates, with North Macedonia listed among eligible jurisdictions.