Slovenia offers lifesaving aid to North Macedonia’s injured
Slovenia has responded to North Macedonia's appeal for help in the wake of the deadly nightclub fire and will take in four of the survivors who sustained burns for treatment.
The injured will be transported to Slovenia onboard the Slovenian Armed Forces aircraft, which is already on its way to transport the first two patients, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.
Accompanied by a medical team, the two patients arrived in Slovenia on 17 March to receive treatment at the UKC Ljubljana medical centre, Health Minister Valentina Prevolnik Rupel told reporters.
The minister said that those two are expected to be treated at the UKC Maribor medical centre.
The Health Ministry has provided the medical team for the transport, and will also coordinate the care provided by public healthcare institutions.
Addressing reporters, both Prevolnik Rupel and Defence Minister Borut Sajovic expressed their condolences to the relatives of the victims with Sajovic saying they would do what they can to help.
Slovenia has offered all necessary aid to North Macedonia after the fire at a nightclub in Kočani early on 16 March claimed at least 59 lives and injured more than 140, many of whom are in critical condition.
All of Slovenia's senior officials have expressed solidarity with the country as they mourned the loss of so many young lives, extending their condolences to the victims' families and friends.
North Macedonia asked for assistance through the EU civil protection mechanism and several countries have offered to take in the injured persons, or have already accepted them.
Slovenia's aid to North Macedonia is valued at up to €550,000. The European Commission can refund 75% of the costs of transport of the patients from North Macedonia to Slovenia.
The Slovenian government has also tasked the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Administration to respond if North Macedonia requests rescue units or additional material aid.
The administration can respond within its capabilities by providing a unit for psychological support, material aid and other resources worth up to €50,000.
