Orka Holding, a company that has been a significant pillar of the country’s economic system and Acibadem Sistina Hospital, a leader in healthcare for 19 years, conducting many activities, has made numerous medical and accommodation facilities, staff and medical equipment available. This assistance and support has been made available to the citizens and the Crisis Headquarters of the Government of our country in order to deal with the emerging situation caused by the global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus.

Many of our employees are absent from work because they belong to the groups of citizens who, according to the recommendations of the state institutions, should stay at home. Acibadem Sistina Hospital alone has 400 employees absent from work, and like many other companies in this situation, we are in restrictive conditions. While reorganizing our business to maintain its quality and efficiency, we offer all our help and support because we all know that there are times when there is no room for compromise.

When it comes to life, when it comes to human health there is no compromise and price.

As part of the assistance offered, Acibadem Sistina Hospital and Orka Holding have offered all of the facilities of the Ibis Skopje City Center and Ibis Styles hotels for accommodation of people who have to spend 14 days in isolation. Ibis Styles hotel is already completely full, and the first group of people has arrived at the Ibis Skopje City Center hotel. Initially, it is expected that until 31.05.2020 there will be 5 rotations of persons that will need to spend 14 days in isolation, bringing the total number to 1,030 persons, i.e, the number of nights spent at these facilities will be 14,430.

Orka Holding and Acibadem Sistina allocated a fund of 20,000,000 denars or 325,000 euros of which 315,000 euros to cover the living expenses of these persons as well as for protective agents, disinfection, protective equipment, fixed costs, medical support from Acibadem Sistina Hospital and the salaries of those who will work in the quarantine centers for 70 days. The agreement is concluded between the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the companies “OK Hotel” and “Orka Hotel”.

Out of these funds, 10,000 euros are intended for protective equipment, i.e. protective masks, suits and gloves for the Internal Affairs Sector Skopje and health institutions in Debar.

The companies Zito Polog and Zdravje Radovo, which are part of our group, and produce basic food products will not increase the prices of their products compared to 1.1.2020. At the same time, we confirm that both companies are operating at full production and at full capacity. Zito Polog operates at full capacity and produces 1500 tons of Type400 and Type500 flour monthly as well as 600 tons of livestock flour and currently has sufficient wheat stock for the next 4 months.

Zdravje Radovo Dairy, which produces 150 tons of white and yellow cheese a month, also operates at full capacity, and is currently stocked for 6 months.

We would also like to express our immense gratitude to all of our staff, including health professionals who completely understand the urgency of the circumstances and unconditionally accept all new tasks and activities. We do respect and trust all of our employees immensely, more than 2,500 people who are part of the Orca Holding Group. Our experience over the past 30 years testifies to the many challenges we have gone through together and we believe that we will get over this new, great challenge that lies ahead without any further consequences.

In these moments when all our thoughts and efforts are focused on nothing more valuable – the health of all of us, the health of all our citizens, we ask you and appeal to abide by all recommendations issued by the competent authorities to demonstrate responsibility, high awareness and to take care of yourself and the health of others.

In extremely challenging conditions, when all of us are faced with something completely unknown and when our normal life suddenly takes on a completely different dimension, when uncertainty and fear cannot be left behind closed doors, our only duty, obligation and desire is to lead this fight, make human and superhuman efforts to make this condition more acceptable at the moment with its end result being better for all of us.