HIF reduces the prices of HPV testing and liquid-based Pap cytology
More women will have access to early detection of cervical cancer
The Health Insurance Fund of Macedonia (HIF) adopted a decision on a significant reduction of the reference prices for two key diagnostic services within the programme for early detection of cervical cancer: HPV genotyping and liquid-based Pap cytology. The measure is already in force and directly contributes to increasing the number of available tests and improving women’s access to preventive health care.
Reduction of prices and co-payment
HPV genotyping – the reference price is reduced from 5.500 to 3.310 denars, or by 39,8%. The co-payment paid by the patient is reduced from 550 to 350 denars.
Liquid-based Pap cytology – the reference price is reduced from 2.200 to 1.250 denars, or by 43,2%. The co-payment is reduced from 250 to 150 denars.
The conventional Pap test remains at the existing price of 600 denars, without change.
More tests for the same budget
The price revision was calculated on the basis of the actual invoiced services in 2025. The analysis shows that, by maintaining the same level of funding, the number of available tests increases significantly:
- HPV testing: from 13.466 tests to 22.375 tests annually – an increase of 8.909 tests (+66,2%)
- Liquid-based Pap cytology: from 2.427 tests to 4.271 tests annually – an increase of 1.844 tests (+76,0%)
This means that, for the same financial investment, a significantly larger number of women will be covered by screening, including women who have not previously accessed these preventive examinations for financial reasons.
Early detection saves lives
Cervical cancer is one of the malignant diseases that can be successfully prevented and treated if detected in time. When the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, the rate of successful treatment and survival is significantly higher.
HPV testing and cytological screening are key tools for timely detection of precancerous changes and early-stage cancer, enabling timely intervention and better health outcomes.
“With this measure, we are not only reducing costs for insured persons, but also creating conditions for a significantly larger number of women to be covered by modern preventive testing. Our goal is for the funds provided by the Fund to be used more efficiently, and for health services to be more accessible to citizens. Early detection of diseases saves lives, and therefore investment in prevention remains one of our priorities,” stated the Director General of the HIF, Mr Sasho Klekovski.
Harmonisation of the Medicines Codebook and ensuring continuity of therapy
At today’s briefing, information was also provided on the amendments to the Medicines Codebook relating to medicines containing the active substance topiramate, intended for the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
At the request of the marketing authorisation holders, the medicines have been deleted from the Medicines Codebook with effect from 1 May 2026 EPIRAMAT (manufacturer PLIVA) and TIRAMAT (manufacturer BELUPO).
In order to ensure uninterrupted availability of therapy for insured persons, the new codebook currently being prepared will include the medicine TIRAMAT (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg), manufacturer FARMAVITA, secured through emergency import.
This ensures continuity of treatment and uninterrupted access to therapy for patients who use this medicine.
Attached
Attached to this announcement, we are providing a link from today’s press conference.
Note for editors
The revised prices for HPV genotyping have been in force since 01.05.2026, and those for liquid-based Pap cytology since 09.06.2026.
The financial analysis was prepared on the basis of invoiced services in 2025 in the network of public and private health institutions, as well as the Faculty of Medicine.
The detailed financial analysis is available on request.
