The Spa Group within the Economic Chamber (Katlanovo Spa, Katlanovo, Skopje; Negorci Spa, Negorci, Gevgelija; Debar Spa – Capa, Debar; and Car Samuil Spa, Bansko, Strumica), through its member institutions, has expressed its gratitude to President Branko Azeski and the Economic Chamber for their support in advancing the spas’ (natural health resort facilities) requests regarding the adjustment of inpatient treatment reimbursement rates in line with the increased operating costs incurred per patient day, as well as the adjustment of fees for specialist examinations for beneficiaries referred through the Health Insurance Fund of the RNM. The decision was adopted by the Steering Committee of the Health Insurance Fund with the direct support of the Fund’s Director, Sasho Klekovski, and entered into force on Thursday, 25 June 2026.

In a written statement submitted to the Chamber by the President of the Spa Group, it was noted: “As President of the Spa Group and Executive Director of Negorci Spa, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Economic Chamber for its commitment and selfless support throughout a process that lasted an entire decade—ten full years.”

Specifically, the reimbursement rate for an inpatient treatment day in residential facilities (accommodation, meals, staff services, healthcare services, and medication therapy) for chronic patients and extended hospital rehabilitation in institutes and specialized hospitals, based on referrals issued by the Health Insurance Fund, has been increased by 18%. The increase reflects rising operating costs across all categories, which have significantly affected the cost of services provided by spas and had rendered their operations economically unsustainable. Since 2010, the reimbursement rate had been increased only once, in 2023, by 33%. The latest increase, amounting to 19%, brings the reimbursement paid by the Health Insurance Fund to MKD 1,930 per patient per day for beneficiaries receiving extended inpatient treatment through the Fund. This adjustment significantly improves the alignment between reimbursement levels and the actual operating costs borne by the spas.

The second segment concerns the adjustment of prices for specialist service packages, which comprise ten different categories of specialist services. Fees for all specialist services have been increased by 50%. Notably, the prices for these specialist packages had remained unchanged for 16 years, since 2010. For this reason, the increase is of substantial importance to the spa sector, providing support for its continued development and creating opportunities for new investments aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the country’s natural health resorts.

In their letter, the spas concluded: “We hope that together we will continue along the same path toward new successes.”