How one journalist’s courage exposed a national scandal and sparked a movement for change
Irena Mulachka, a distinguished journalist and winner of the EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 for North Macedonia, has shone a spotlight on one of North Macedonia’s most pressing healthcare scandals: the mismanagement and corruption in the Skopje Oncology Department.
Since 2019, Irena has delved into the dark corners of oncology care in North Macedonia, focusing on the theft and manipulation of life-saving therapies. The introduction of costly biological treatments created a fertile ground for exploitation, with patients at the heart of these schemes.
“I spent over two weeks inside the clinic, gradually earning the staff’s trust and piecing together the horrifying puzzle,” she shared. Over eight months, she collected evidence, including patient records and insider accounts, revealing a disturbing reality: fraudulent diagnoses, improper administration of therapies, and stolen medications sold on the black market.
The investigation faced many hurdles, from accessing sensitive documents to ensuring the safety of whistleblowers.
Clinic staff often passed key materials during night shifts, illustrating the risk they were willing to take for justice.
“My goal was to protect them,” Irena emphasised.
The most harrowing discovery, Irena notes, was finding out the therapy intended for terminally ill patients was deliberately withheld to profit from its sale elsewhere. Though grappling with ethical concerns, Irena decided the public deserved to know the truth.
The revelations caused unprecedented unity among Macedonian political leaders and media outlets, prompting the formation of an Inquiry Commission, nationwide protests, and international coverage.
“For the first time, the government and opposition demanded accountability,” Irena noted.
Changes followed swiftly: therapy is now securely managed, several doctors were suspended, and ongoing investigations aim to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The public response has been overwhelming. Irena received over 500 messages from patients and families affected by the scandal, thanking her for shedding light on their suffering.
“Their gratitude and protests validated my work and showed that the health system’s collapse cannot be ignored.”
Despite the strides made, Irena remains committed to exposing malpractice in the healthcare system.
“A new story emerged just weeks ago, and I will continue until meaningful change is achieved,” she declared.
