The iCARE project

iCARE — “Healthcare open and inclusive for all” — is a 24-month cross-border initiative removing barriers to healthcare and social care services.

The goal

The project’s central goal is to remove barriers to healthcare and social services for vulnerable groups — especially older people, children, and citizens with disabilities, chronic conditions or high-risk health profiles. It responds to shared challenges of the border area: the isolation of rural areas, high digital illiteracy, limited availability of e-health services, and inequalities in access to primary care.

Where it focuses

Actions focus on the Municipality of Prespes (Greece) and the Municipality of Resen (North Macedonia), two remote areas where access to healthcare is particularly limited. There, the new fully accessible “Help and Healthcare at Home” services will run as pilots, supported by modern digital tools and equipped mobile units.

The partners

• National Confederation of Disabled People (N.C.D.P.) — lead beneficiary, Greece.
• 3rd Regional Health Authority (Macedonia) — Greece.
• Municipality of Prespes — Greece.
• Municipality of Resen — North Macedonia.
• Coordination of the Organizations for Voluntary Services (COSV) — Prilep branch, North Macedonia.

Identity and funding

The project is implemented under the INTERREG IPA “Greece – North Macedonia 2021-2027” Programme, priority axis “Support and upgrade of health & social services”. It is co-funded by the European Union (80%) and national funds (20%), running from August 2025 to August 2027. It builds on the earlier Cross4all project and aligns fully with the European Disability Strategy and the European Accessibility Act.