Nikola Todorov

These were the latest major investors in North Macedonia's healthcare business, in the 20 years since private healthcare gained momentum in the country.

The Macedonian authorities are sending out inspectors and promising new equipment for gynecology clinics following more disturbing cases of new-borns dying unexpectedly.

On Wednesday, media reported a new case in the northwestern town of Tetovo. The infant's mother had already died during child birth.

Macedonia's ministry of interior said police had arrested a 67-year-old named as Lj. S., from the village of Dolno Kalaslari, near the town of Veles, shortly after he was believed to have fired two gun shots in the direction of former health minister Nikola Todorov.

Macedonia's Administrative Court on Tuesday accepted one electoral complaint filed by the opposition Social Democratic Union, SDSM as a result of which the December 11 general election will be re-run in a single polling station, number 2011, in the north western municipality of Tearce.

The opposition Social Democrats said on Monday that it was scandalous that the government of a country that ranks among the poorest in Europe was even considering imposing more tax on food in an attempt to combat obesity. 

Macedonia's parliament is expected to approve a government-proposed bill to establish tax-free health-care "zones" for foreigners.

The bill entered parliamentary procedure last week is likely to pass soon.

The bill will allow foreign - and domestic - healthcare companies to build hospitals in Macedonia exclusively for the use of foreign private patients.

Macedonia's government is insisting that it is "business as usual" for Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in spite of an ongoing deep political crisis in the country.

In the past week, when not participating in crisis talks with the opposition, Gruevski has made the most of opportunities to attend a series of high-profile promotional events.

About a thousand people staged a protest at noon on Tuesday in Skopje demanding the resignation of the Minister of Health, Nikola Todorov, over the death of nine-year-old Tamara Dimovska.

Health Minister Nikola Todorov on Tuesday said he was sorry for the death of nine-year-old Tamara Dimovska who suffered a severe spinal deformity and needed an emergency operation to save her.

Macedonia Health Minister Nikola Todorov said the country plans to open a “health-care zone”, most likely near the capital, Skopje, where foreign companies will be able to build hospitals exclusively for use of foreign private patients.

Serious partners who create new jobs and pledge to stay at least ten years will find Macedonia a generous host, the minister said.