Belgium sent a B-FAST reconnaissance team to North Macedonia on 17 March, in response to a specific request for help from the North Macedonian government after a major fire broke out in a nightclub in Kocani.
In the fire, 59 people died and more than 150 people were injured. Four patients were transferred to Belgium for care, based on an assessment of the needs by the reconnaissance team.
"In the face of this devastating tragedy, Belgium expresses its full solidarity with the Macedonian people and all the families affected. Our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and all those who have lost loved ones," said Minister for Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés).
Specialised care
The B-FAST reconnaissance team comprises specialised staff from the Defence Ministry, the Public Health Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Together with the North Macedonian Health Ministry in charge of local coordination, the B-FAST reconnaissance team has assessed the help that is currently needed. This happened in close contact with the European aid coordination mechanism.
Based on this assessment, four patients were transferred to Belgium for the treatment of burn wounds. They are currently en route. Everything is being prepared to receive these patients in certain specialised hospitals.
"We are mobilising our resources to offer specialised care to patients transferred to Belgium. Our hospitals and medical teams are ready to welcome them and provide them with the best possible treatment," Prévot said.
"This concrete support illustrates our unwavering commitment to international cooperation and mutual aid in times of crisis. In these difficult times, the friendship between our nations takes on its full meaning. Together, we will overcome this challenge."
