Foreign expert to join review of Strumica patient’s care, Health Ministry says
Ministry says inspectors reviewed medical records at three institutions and a foreign expert will join the panel to ensure an independent assessment.
The Ministry of Health announced on 6 August 2026 that the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate has carried out extraordinary inspections in the medical facilities where patient S.M. was examined, delivered and later treated.
"The inspections were carried out at General Hospital Strumica, Clinical Hospital Shtip and the University Clinic for Neurology. Inspectors reviewed the health records and medical documentation, and statements were taken from health workers involved in the treatment." the Ministry said.
Independent expert review to be completed
Because of the serious health complications suffered by the patient, the Ministry has ordered a full expert review of the entire course of her delivery and subsequent care. The review committee will include specialists in neurology, anesthesiology, gynecology, radiology and neurosurgery, the Ministry said.
"In order to ensure a complete, independent and objective expert assessment, the Minister of Health requested that a medical expert from a neighbouring country be included in the expert review committee. He will participate in reviewing the patient's full medical documentation and in preparing the expert opinion on the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures undertaken," the Ministry added.
The patient has been identified in reports as 19‑year‑old Stanka Mihajlova from Strumica, who after a caesarean section faces serious lasting health consequences and is currently using a wheelchair. Her case was publicised recently after several associations called for justice and a resolution for the young woman.
The Ministry said it will inform the public of the findings and conclusions once the expert review is completed.
Photo: press material from the event
