Neurology Clinic Director Igor Kuzmanovski has been dismissed by Health Minister Azir Aliu over a video showing him mixing powdery substance in a plate and talking about cocaine.
“A new Director will be appointed as soon as possible. The Clinic’s work continues unimpededly”, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
On social media, Kuzmanovski issued a public apology.
“Regarding posts on social media, I express deep remorse over the action that had taken place long before I took over the management of the Neurology Clinic. That’s an action that I am not proud of and that I believe is a moment of weakness of mine that mustn’t be an example”, he stated.
Kuzmanovski’s party, VMRO-DPMNE, welcomed the dismissal and called on institutions to act according to the law and procedures. Commenting on the case, SDSM leader Venko Filipce, stated that though it was good he’d been dismissed right away, the Medical Chamber should react and assess whether a doctor in such a state would be able to treat patients at all.
“That’s a very serious matter. Lives of some patients of his were perhaps called into question if he was in some state like that, let’s not prejudge now. However, this matter deserves a serious analysis and check by the Chamber”, the ex-Health Minister stressed.