Bitola hospital has not offered spermogram tests for six years; recruitment of a biologist is under way
Patients travel or pay private labs; hospital says it has begun hiring a biologist and plans to add AMH testing from 2027.
The Clinical Hospital "Dr. Trifun Panovski" in Bitola has not offered spermogram (semen analysis) services for six years, forcing men who need the test to travel to other cities or to pay private laboratories for the exam.
Patients say costs and travel are a heavy burden
Patients from Bitola told our newsroom they have to go to public facilities in Ohrid and Prilep or pay private labs to get a spermogram. They say the expense and the need to repeat tests during infertility workups create extra financial and emotional strain.
"According to information we have, the price of a spermogram in a private laboratory can reach around 150 euros, which represents a significant financial burden for men facing fertility problems. Especially difficult is the situation for couples preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF). During diagnosis and the procedure itself, a spermogram often needs to be repeated several times to monitor the condition and plan further treatment. That implies additional financial costs, travel, absence from work and unnecessary stress in a period that is already emotionally and financially exhausting," patients said.
They also asked that the hospital expand reproductive diagnostics available in the public system — including AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) to assess ovarian reserve, reproductive hormones FSH, LH, estradiol and prolactin, and other specialized lab tests needed to diagnose and treat infertility.
Dr. Nensi Lozanche, director of the Clinical Hospital in Bitola, confirmed that spermogram testing has not been performed at the facility for six years. Since the interruption happened before she became director, she said she could not say why the service stopped.
"At the moment the service is not performed due to lack of appropriate staff. Clinical Hospital 'Dr. Trifun Panovski' in Bitola is making efforts to secure appropriate staff, namely a biologist, and the procedure has already begun. As for other hormonal tests, they are already performed at the hospital, all except AMH, and we plan to include that test from 2027," Dr. Lozanche said.
Patients and local residents say reproductive health should not be a privilege or an extra financial burden, and they call for timely diagnostics and treatment to be accessible within the public health system.
Photo: SDK.MK)
