North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister visits Karolinska: “You Have a Whole Nation’s Gratitude”
The patients, all severely burned in the late-March fire, were transferred to Karolinska via intensive care air transport. During his visit, Minister Mucunski expressed deep appreciation for the hospital’s efforts.
“You helped save the lives of young people affected by the fire. We are deeply grateful,” said Minister Mucunski during a meeting with hospital leadership.
The minister was welcomed by Alberto Falk Delgado, Acting Manager of Emergency and Reparative Medicine Theme, and Christophe Pedroletti, CEO of Karolinska University Hospital. Also present was Mikael Ohrling, Director of Healthcare Services at Region Stockholm, and North Macedonia’s ambassador to Sweden.
The visit included a tour of the ECMO unit, led by Lars Falk, Director of Pediatric Intensive Care and Transport Unit. He explained the critical role of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in life-threatening situations such as severe burns and smoke inhalation.
“We will always reach the patient, no matter the circumstances,” said Falk, showing images of Karolinska’s air transport fleet—aircraft and helicopters used in intensive care missions.
Photo: Elin Ståhlberg.
The delegation continued to the Unit of Plastic Surgery, where Alberto Falk Delgado and Caroline Möllermark, Care Team Manager for Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, guided the visitors through the facilities. They also visited a patient room identical to those where the four North Macedonian patients were treated. There, the reality of the recent tragedy was made tangible as staff shared their memories of the event.
The North Macedonian delegation expressed admiration for the hospital’s highly specialized care and emphasized a strong interest in future collaboration.
“A heartfelt thank you for your solidarity. You have a whole nation’s gratitude,” said Minister Mucunski.
Photo: Elin Ståhlberg
Text: Elin Ståhlberg.