Македон го покажа својот понос со сребрен медал од натпреварот “Математика без граници”.

The improper labeling and unexplored products, difficult access to specialists, high prices, and limited availability are some of the problems faced by individuals with celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by an intolerance to gluten. People with this diagnosis complain that there are no safe products for them in the markets, and even where they are available, they are expensive. “Before the corona crisis, we had a choice of two gluten-free flours that we could get with a prescription, one was around 40 and the other around 70 denars per kilogram. Now, the cheaper one is not available, and the more expensive one is around 150 denars. We are talking about one kilogram of flour. Also, since purchasing through a prescription is unnecessarily complicated, many people are forced to buy this flour without a prescription, the price of which they are afraid of and do not even want to remember from the last price increase,” complained Kiril Trojachanets, who has had this diagnosis since 2018 and risks even when buying gluten-free products here because they are sometimes produced in the same facility as gluten-containing products and may contain traces of gluten that causes them distress for days. Sara Karakamcheva, President of the “Gluten-Free” Association, notes the high prices of gluten-free products, stating that they are 100% more expensive than gluten-containing products. “The price of gluten-free flour goes up every year, without consultation or notification. Just as they notify and consult for gluten-containing flour, milk, and the like, they should also do the same with our flour. It seems that the authorities do not understand that this is our medication, just as insulin is for diabetics,” says Karakamcheva. The Health Insurance Fund confirms that they have problems providing gluten-free food, but they are trying to assist patients by issuing special certificates that are valid for 30 days and can be used to purchase food. “Their money is refunded because no company in the HIF has offered any products yet,” says the Health Insurance Fund to Makfax. In practice, individuals intolerant to gluten complain that the unnecessary complications in the procedure are problematic.