A Stronger System for Fairer Protection – A New Project to Combat Corruption in Healthcare

The implementation of the project “A Stronger System for Fairer Protection: Reducing Corruption in Healthcare” has officially begun. The project’s main goal is to help build a transparent and accountable healthcare system that responds to the needs of all citizens—especially women and marginalized groups. This national initiative is structured around three key components: training healthcare professionals to strengthen their role in combating corrupt practices; raising public awareness on how to recognize and report corruption; and advocating for reforms in health policies and institutional processes.

The 18-month project is implemented by the Association for Emancipation, Solidarity and Equality of Women – ESE, in partnership with the Macedonian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (MAGO). Through its activities, the project will directly engage 1,850 women from marginalized groups, approximately 700 healthcare workers, 30 representatives from relevant public institutions, and 90 journalists, while also reaching the broader public.

“Corruption remains one of the most serious problems in the country, and its impact is especially evident in the healthcare sector, given its sensitivity and its importance to every citizen. According to a World Health Organization study, 46 percent of households pay out of pocket for healthcare services, even though public health expenditures continue to increase. Our own research showed that 95 percent of Romani women and women living in rural areas pay for primary gynecological examinations, despite the fact that this service is supposed to be free. These figures clearly indicate that we, as a society, must work together to root out corruption in the healthcare system,” says Jasminka Friščić, Executive Director of ESE.

As healthcare professionals, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that corruption exists in the healthcare system. On the contrary, I believe we must actively participate in all efforts aimed at identifying and preventing corrupt practices. In doing so, we protect our patients, but we also safeguard ourselves and the integrity of our profession. All women should have equal access to regular and quality gynecological services, and I am confident that through this project we will achieve that goal,” said Dr. Gligor Tofoski, President of the Macedonian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (MAGO).

To ensure broader national reach of the planned activities, the project also involves several civil society organizations: HZ “Majka from Kumanovo”, Stanica P.E.T. from Prilep, Women’s Forum from Tetovo, and the Civic Women’s Initiative from Sveti Nikole. The implementation of the project “A Stronger System for Fairer Protection: Reducing Corruption in Healthcare” is supported by Expertise France through the French Development Agency.