Diabetes patients in Macedonia have been facing a serious shortage of medication, insulin, test strips, and glucose sensors for months. The situation is alarming, and chronically ill patients are forced to buy therapy on their own or share resources.

The president of the Diabetes Association Alliance, Dime Velev, warned that the situation has been ongoing for several months and particularly affects type 1 diabetes patients who are entirely dependent on insulin therapy. "We don't have enough therapy for diabetics. Sensors are available in limited quantities, often only for one month," Velev said.

The smaller cities are most affected - Radovis, Kochani, and Resen - where the shortage of specialized medical staff further worsens the situation. Velev pointed out that there is also a shortage of nurses for patient education, which is critical for proper disease management.

Without regular therapy and monitoring, patients are at risk of hypoglycemia, gangrene, blindness, and other chronic complications. Some are forced to procure medication on the private market, which for many is financially unsustainable.

The Health Insurance Fund announced a new model for providing therapy and medical supplies, with improved supply mechanisms and clear criteria for obtaining equipment. Patient associations are demanding urgent implementation of these measures to prevent further deterioration of health outcomes.