This public policy document examines the challenges and potentials related to the inclusion of civil society organizations in the health care system in the Republic of North Macedonia. Through an analysis of existing practices, the legal framework and ongoing programs, the document advocates the need for legal regulation of the provision of certain health services by associations, especially when it comes to working with vulnerable and marginalized population groups.
Although civil society organizations have played a significant role in the implementation of preventive and advisory health services, such as HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and support for people who inject drugs, their activity has not yet been fully recognized and regulated in the Law on Health Care. The document analyzes the practice of social negotiation, through which the Ministry of Health enters into agreements with associations for the implementation of specific health services, and highlights the importance of strengthening this practice through an appropriate legal framework.
The publication is the result of joint work by HERA – Health Education and Research Association, the Association for support of people living with HIV – Stronger Together, the Association for emancipation, solidarity and equality of women – ESE and the Association Initiative for women’s rights from Shuto Orizari. It was developed within the framework of the project “Advanced health rights of girls, women and vulnerable groups” with support from the Civica Mobilitas program funded by the Government of Switzerland.
The document is intended for decision-makers, institutions in the health sector, as well as civil society organizations and activists working in the field of public health, in order to stimulate constructive discussion and contribute to the creation of an inclusive and sustainable health system that recognizes and supports all actors that contribute to better health of the population.
The publication is available in Macedonian.
