AJM: Ministry of Health must ensure equal access for all media

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) expresses concern over the arbitrary and unprofessional behavior of the Ministry of Health and the public relations services, which today did not allow the official presence of the media during a visit to the Pulmonology and Allergology Clinic.

Namely, after several requests from journalists reporting in the field of health and who have addressed AJM on this issue on several occasions, only the MIA agency was invited today to film the clinic, while the rest of the media were not officially invited. This clearly shows a limitation of access to events of public interest, creates the impression of discrimination and raises suspicions about the possibility of concealing information.

AJM reminds the authorities that the media have the right to report on all events of public interest without discrimination, and institutions are obliged to ensure transparency and equal access to information for all journalists. This situation is particularly serious in the context of previous conflicts and the unavailability of information by the cabinet of the Minister of Health.

AJM calls for an urgent review of the practices of the Ministry of Health, enabling access to information of public interest for all media, and respecting professional standards in communication with journalists.