Sasho Klekovski: 15 kidney transplants completed this year, three more by end of December

The Ministry of Health urged citizens to speak with family members about organ donation, noting that a clearly expressed wish makes decisions easier for relatives in difficult moments.

"This year, 15 kidney transplants have been performed at the University Clinic for Urology, and three more from living donors are planned by the end of December," Minister Sasho Klekovski said, noting that the figure exceeds last year’s 11 kidney transplants.

During his visit Klekovski met patients who recently received kidney grafts — two from a deceased donor and one from a living donor. He publicly thanked the relatives of the deceased donor and the living donor for their donations.

Gratitude to donors and medical teams

"Our greatest gratitude is owed to the family of the deceased donor. In their darkest moment they made a decision that returns life without dialysis to two of our fellow citizens. It is an act of exceptional humanity, for which there are not enough words. Thanks also to the living donor, who gave part of himself to his loved ones," Klekovski said.

Klekovski was accompanied on the visit by the national transplant coordinator, Prof. Dr. Biljana Kuzmanovska; the director of the Clinic for Urology, Dr. Bashkim Shabani; and the director of the Clinic for Nephrology, Dr. Nikola Gjorgievski. He also thanked the urology and nephrology teams and everyone involved in coordinating donations.

"Every transplant is the result of trust, teamwork and dedication. We continue to strengthen the transplant network and to promote awareness of organ donation, because many patients are still waiting for their chance," Klekovski added. The Ministry reiterated its appeal that citizens discuss organ donation with their closest relatives to ease family decisions in critical moments.

Photo: press material from the event