Zlatko Perinski takes the helm at the Health Insurance Fund

The Health Insurance Fund has a new acting director after a government decision that follows a nomination from Health Minister Sasho Klekovski. Zlatko Perinski assumes leadership of the institution responsible for financing most of the country’s public healthcare services.

Perinski arrives at the Fund with a managerial background and an academic degree in human resources management. During a long career in public administration and municipal services he held several senior posts, including minister of local self-government, general director of the public utility company "Vodovod i kanalizacija" — Skopje, and manager of the Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre.

Authorities expect Perinski to concentrate on two priority tasks that the minister emphasized upon his proposal: finalizing the roll-out of the electronic prescription system and resolving the legal and administrative issues surrounding health coverage for minors. Both reforms are regarded as key to modernizing service delivery and improving access for vulnerable groups.

Observers note that the Fund faces operational challenges common to large public insurers, such as streamlining claims processing, strengthening IT systems, and ensuring stable funding flows to healthcare providers. Perinski’s track record in leading public enterprises will be scrutinized as he navigates those practical obstacles.

The government’s announcement outlined Perinski’s educational qualifications and previous posts but did not provide a timeline for the handover or for the reforms he has been asked to deliver. Stakeholders in the health sector—from primary care physicians to patient organizations—are likely to watch developments closely, particularly on the electronic prescribing platform that affects everyday practice.

As acting director, Perinski will be expected to coordinate with the Ministry of Health and other institutions to advance the reforms while maintaining the Fund’s routine operations. Further details about his mandate and administrative priorities are expected to be clarified in coming weeks.