Country Policy and Information Note

Albania: Medical and healthcare

provision

Version 1.0
January 2022
Preface
Purpose
This note provides country of origin information (COI) for decision makers handling
cases where a person claims that to remove them from the UK would be a breach of
Articles 3 and/or 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) because
of an ongoing health condition.
It is not intended to be an exhaustive survey of healthcare in Albania.
Country of origin information
The country information in this note has been carefully selected in accordance with
the general principles of COI research as set out in the Common EU [European
Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), dated April
2008, and the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and
Documentation’s (ACCORD), Researching Country Origin Information – Training
Manual, 2013. Namely, taking into account the COI’s relevance, reliability, accuracy,
balance, currency, transparency and traceability.
The structure and content of the country information section follows a terms of
reference which sets out the general and specific topics relevant to this note.
All information included in the note was published or made publicly available on or
before the ‘cut-off’ date(s) in the country information section. Any event taking place
or report/article published after these date(s) is not included.
All information is publicly accessible or can be made publicly available, and is from
generally reliable sources. Sources and the information they provide are carefully
considered before inclusion. Factors relevant to the assessment of the reliability of
sources and information include:
• the motivation, purpose, knowledge and experience of the source
• how the information was obtained, including specific methodologies used
• the currency and detail of information, and
• whether the COI is consistent with and/or corroborated by other sources.
Multiple sourcing is used to ensure that the information is accurate, balanced and
corroborated, so that a comprehensive and up-to-date picture at the time of
publication is provided of the issues relevant to this note.
Information is compared and contrasted, whenever possible, to provide a range of
views and opinions. The inclusion of a source, however, is not an endorsement of it
or any view(s) expressed.
Each piece of information is referenced in a brief footnote; full details of all sources
cited and consulted in compiling the note are listed alphabetically in the bibliography.

Page 2 of 46
Independent Advisory Group on Country Information
The Independent Advisory Group on Country Information (IAGCI) was set up in
March 2009 by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to
support him in reviewing the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of approach of
COI produced by the Home Office.
The IAGCI welcomes feedback on the Home Office’s COI material. It is not the
function of the IAGCI to endorse any Home Office material, procedures or policy.
The IAGCI may be contacted at:
Independent Advisory Group on Country Information
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
5th Floor
Globe House
89 Eccleston Square
London, SW1V 1PN
Email: [email protected]
Information about the IAGCI’s work and a list of the documents which have been
reviewed by the IAGCI can be found on the Independent Chief Inspector’s pages of
the gov.uk website.

MedCOI
MedCOI is an Asylum and Migration Integration Fund (AMIF) financed project to
obtain medical country of origin information. The project allows 12 European Union
member states plus Norway and Switzerland to make use of the services of the
‘MedCOI’ team in the Netherlands and Belgium. The MedCOI team makes enquiries
with qualified doctors and other experts working in countries of origin. The
information obtained is reviewed by the MedCOI project team before it is forwarded
to the relevant COI Service

Feedback
Our goal is to continuously improve our material. Therefore, if you would like to
comment on this note, please email the Country Policy and Information Team.

Page 3 of 46
Contents
Assessment.................................................................................................................. 6
1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Basis of claim .............................................................................................. 6
Country information .................................................................................................... 7
2. Basic indicators................................................................................................... 7
3. Healthcare system .............................................................................................. 7
3.1 Structure ...................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Doctors and specialists ............................................................................... 9
3.3 Pharmaceuticals.......................................................................................... 9
3.4 Private and public hospitals ...................................................................... 11
3.5 Recent developments in healthcare ......................................................... 11
3.6 Impact of COVID-19 .................................................................................. 11
4. Cancer treatment (oncology) ............................................................................ 14
4.1 Prevalence and available treatment facilities ........................................... 14
4.2 Breast cancer ............................................................................................ 15
4.3 Colon carcinoma with metastasis (cancer of the colon) .......................... 17
4.4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma ............................................................................... 18
4.5 Leukaemia ................................................................................................. 18
4.6 Lung cancer............................................................................................... 19
4.7 Melanoma .................................................................................................. 19
4.8 Radiation therapy ...................................................................................... 20
4.9 Thyroid cancer........................................................................................... 21
5. Cardiology ......................................................................................................... 21
6. Diabetes ............................................................................................................ 22
7. Ear, nose, and throat conditions ...................................................................... 23
8. Eye treatment (ophthalmology) ........................................................................ 23
9. Gastroenterological conditions ......................................................................... 24
10. Gynaecological conditions and obstetrics........................................................ 25
11. HIV/AIDs ........................................................................................................... 26
12. Kidney diseases (nephrology) .......................................................................... 27
13. Liver conditions (hepatology) and liver transplants ......................................... 27
14. Lung diseases (pulmonology) .......................................................................... 28
15. Mental health, psychiatry.................................................................................. 31
16. Neurological conditions .................................................................................... 31
17. Orthopaedics..................................................................................................... 32

Page 4 of 46
 18. Paediatrics ........................................................................................................ 33
18.1Inpatient and outpatient care .................................................................... 33
18.2Special needs ............................................................................................ 36
19. Painkillers.......................................................................................................... 39
20. Palliative care, nursing home care and geriatrics ............................................ 39
Terms of Reference ................................................................................................... 41
Bibliography ............................................................................................................... 43
Sources cited ........................................................................................................... 43
Sources consulted but not cited .............................................................................. 45
Version control .......................................................................................................... 46

Page 5 of 46
Assessment
Updated: 10 December 2021
1. Introduction
1.1 Basis of claim
1.1.1 For general guidance on considering cases where a person claims that to
remove them from the UK would be a breach of Article 3 and/or 8 of the
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) because of an ongoing
health condition, see the instruction on Human rights claims on medical
grounds.
Back to Contents

Page 6 of 46
 Country information
Section 2 updated: 10 December 2021
2. Basic indicators
Total population (million) 3,088,385 (July 2021 est.)1
Urban population as % of total 63% of total population (2021 est.)2
population
Life expectancy at birth 79.23 years (2021 est.)3
Maternal mortality rate 15 deaths/ 100,000 live births (2017
est.)4
Infant mortality rate 11.1 deaths/ 1,000 live births (2021
est.)5
Current health expenditure 5.3% (2018 est.)6

2.1.1 Regarding transport to healthcare facilities, the World Health Organisation

(WHO) noted in the primary health care in Albania rapid assessment report,
2018, that:
‘The distance between PHC centres [Primary Healthcare Centres] ranges
from 10 to 25 km. This can comprise an obstacle for the population to visit
GPs [general practitioners] but also for the GPs to make home visits and/or
to consult patients at more distant health post–ambulatories [note: post-
ambulatory is a term used for everything affiliated with PHC centre facilities].
GPs serve the population on their lists and the schools located in the
catchment area of the PHC centre.
‘The centres visited did not have vehicles. The condition of the roads and
public transport availability within the areas with PHC centres influence the
accessibility to PHC services, especially in winter.’ 7
Back to Contents
Section 3 updated: 10 December 2021
3. Healthcare system
3.1 Structure
3.1.1 In an article published in Sage Journals on 7 October 2020, Jonila Gabrani,
Christian Schindler and Kasper Wyss from the Swiss Tropical and Public
Health Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland, noted that ‘… Albania, a
south-eastern European country with a health system in transition, most
1 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
2 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
3 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
4 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
5 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
6 CIA, ‘The World Factbook: Albania’, updated 15 November 2021
7 WHO, ‘Primary health care in Albania: rapid assessment’ (pages 4-5), 2018

Page 7 of 46
 health care providers continue to be owned by the Government. They have a
3 tiers level structure: primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare…
‘Albania has been engaged for several years in improving PHC services to
better address health system challenges.’8
3.1.2 In 2019, the International Trade Administration (ITA), led by the Under
Secretary for International Trade, stated:
‘The healthcare system in Albania is mostly public [free], although private
healthcare has become increasingly popular. The public healthcare service
is organized at the primary, secondary, and tertiary service levels.
Approximately 413 public healthcare clinics offer primary and secondary
healthcare services and 42 public hospitals offer tertiary healthcare services.
Pharmaceutical and dental services are almost entirely private…
‘Public healthcare spending is partially financed by compulsory health
insurance contributions by employees and employers (a 3.4 % health
insurance contribution, divided evenly between employer and employee, is
imposed on salaries) and subsidized by the state budget. The Compulsory
Health Insurance Fund (ISKSH), funded by the health insurance
contributions and subsidized by the state budget, reimburses the prescription
drugs for the insured and pays for the public healthcare services as well as
some approved hospital healthcare services provided by the private
healthcare providers.’9
3.1.3 MedCOI: The Asylum and Migration Integration Fund (AMIF) financed
project to obtain medical country of origin information (MedCOI) noted in
March 2019 that in Albania’s health system ‘The diagnostic and treatment
health service is organized in three levels: primary care [PHC], secondary
hospital service, and tertiary hospital service.’10
3.1.4 Expatfinder, a website aimed towards fee-paying foreign visitors but also
citing public health care procedures available for Albanian citizens, noted
that:
‘By law, all Albanian citizens are entitled to get equal access to healthcare in
the country. The public healthcare system is controlled by the state and
is divided into three tiers. The first level corresponds to primary health
care, including health, hygiene, maternity and paediatric clinics, health
education centres, local emergency rooms and rural hospitals. The next level
caters to secondary care and is made up of diagnostic and medical services
in hospitals and polyclinics. The last level administers tertiary care and
consists of scientific research medicine, which includes four national
university centres equipped with diagnostic services.
‘Funding for the public healthcare scheme comes from contributions from
employers, employees and self-employed individuals.’11
Back to Contents

8 Gabriani J, Schindler C, Wyss K, ‘Perspectives of Public and …’ (Sage Journals), 7 October 2020
9 ITA, ‘Healthcare- Albania’, 2019
10 MedCOI: 20 March 2019
11 Expatfinder, ‘Healthcare in Albania’, no date

Page 8 of 46
3.2 Doctors and specialists
3.2.1 In 2018, the WHO report noted that:
‘The composition of PHC teams varies according to the centre. GPs
specialize either in adults (15 years and older) or in children. However, in
small rural areas, GPs provide services to people of all ages. Urban areas
have paediatricians performing check-ups of healthy children and
paediatricians caring for sick children. A similar division of labour applies to
nurses. Nurses are often subspecialized, with a narrow scope of services.’12
3.2.2 The 2018 WHO report added that ‘In Tirana, the organization of the PHC
centre includes diagnostic services staffed with specialized doctors, such as
cardiologists, rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, surgeons, obstetrician-
gynaecologists and ophthalmologists.’13
3.2.3 The Computer and Enterprise Investigations Conference (CEIC), founded in
1992 by a team of expert analysts and economists to provide analytical data
for economic and investment research, indicated in an undated report there
was a ratio of 1.216 physicians per 1000 people from data collected in
201614.
Back to Contents
3.3 Pharmaceuticals
3.3.1 Privacy Shield, an organisation designed by the U.S. Department of
Commerce, in conjunction with the European Commission and Swiss
Administration to support transatlantic commerce within data protection
requirements under EU Law, noted in an undated report that:
‘Albania’s pharmaceutical sector includes 200 pharmaceutical warehouses,
one thousand pharmacies, 210 pharmaceutical private agencies, and 42
pharmacy hospitals. Imports dominate Albania’s drug market and most major
international brands are present in the country. Locally manufactured
products, while growing recently, continue to account for a small share of the
total market. In 2018, domestic production accounted for around 10% of
market share.
‘The Ministry of Health monitors the pharmaceutical industry, and all drugs
must be registered with the National Agency of Drugs and Medical
Equipment. The government sets profit margins for actors involved in the
distribution chain for both reimbursed drugs and non-reimbursable drugs.
‘The Compulsory Healthcare Insurance Fund (ISKSH), which manages the
public health coverage plan, includes a mix of Bismarck and Beveridge
models. ISKSH develops an annual reimbursement list of drugs that will be
subsidized by the government for primary and hospital healthcare.’15
3.3.2 The International Trade Administration (ITA) in its U.S. Companies Export
website Export.com, last updated in October 2019, noted that:

12 WHO, ‘Primary health care in Albania: rapid assessment’, 2018

13 WHO, ‘Primary health care in Albania: rapid assessment’, 2018
14 CEIC, ‘Albania Physicians: per 1000 People’, no date
15 Privacy Shield, ‘Albania- Pharmaceuticals’, no date

Page 9 of 46
 ‘Public healthcare spending is partially financed by compulsory health
insurance contributions by employees and employers (a 3.4 % health
insurance contribution, divided evenly between employer and employee, is
imposed on salaries) and subsidized by the state budget. The Compulsory
Health Insurance Fund (ISKSH), funded by the health insurance
contributions and subsidized by the state budget, reimburses the prescription
drugs for the insured and pays for the public healthcare services as well as
some approved hospital healthcare services provided by the private
healthcare providers…
‘The National Agency of Drugs and Medical Equipment oversees registering
drugs entering Albania. Since 2016, the Agency is also in charge of
registering medical equipment. The MoH [Ministry of Health] develops
healthcare policies, proposes the national healthcare budget, and monitors
state-owned health institutions.
‘In 2013, the Albanian government pledged to implement universal
healthcare coverage and has since undertaken a series of steps toward
implementation of this model. Since January 2016, roughly 600,000
uninsured Albanians benefit annually from free family doctor visits and
reimbursable drugs, and close to one million Albanians aged between 35-70
years old, both insured and uninsured, are entitled to benefit from free
medical check-ups provided under a PPP contract…
‘Albania imports all medical equipment and devices and around 90% of
drugs.
‘All major pharmaceutical and medical equipment and device manufacturers
are present in the market, mostly through distributors.’16
3.3.3 Expatfinder noted that:
‘Generally speaking, the pharmaceutical industry in Albania is predominantly
privatised. This country has a total of 1,020 pharmacies and 42 hospital
pharmacies. Most of the drugs sold in Albania are imported and usually,
international brands represent the market. It is the duty of the Ministry of
Health to supervise the local pharmaceutical industry while the National
Agency of Drugs and Medical Equipment handle the registration process.
Below are some of the pharmacies that are located in Tirana:
• ‘Night Drug Store – 24-hour Pharmacy
Bul.Zog1 (near bar London)
Tel: 00 355 4 2222 241.
• ‘Alb Trade Farma
Rr. Pjeter Bogdani No 25
Tel: 00 355 4 2250 737.
• ‘Megapharm
Rr. Ismail Qemali No 32/1

16 ITA, ‘Healthcare Resource Guide: Albania’ (Export.gov), Last updated October 2019

Page 10 of 46
 Tel: 00 355 4 2245 060.
• ‘Penta Farm
Rr.Hoxha Tasim No 52/1
Tel: 00 355 4 2232 960.’17
Back to Contents
3.4 Private and public hospitals
3.4.1 Expatfinder noted that ‘The private health sector in Albania is still also under
development, and mostly covers dental and pharmaceutical services. Most
of the private medical facilities are concentrated in Tirana including the
Hygeia Hospital, American Hospital and German Hospital.’18
3.4.2 Also see the UK Government website list of medical facilities.
3.4.3 See the Hospitals Worldwide Guide for a list of public hospitals in Albania.
Back to Contents
3.5 Recent developments in healthcare
3.5.1 MedCOI noted the following in March 2019:
‘The state provides most of the services offered to the population in the field
of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The private sector is still
strengthening and covers most of the pharmaceutical service, dental service
and some specialist diagnostic clinics that are mainly concentrated in Tirana.
In the public sector, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is
responsible for the policies and strategies of the health system, its regulation
and coordination of all actors within and outside the system.’ 19
3.5.2 The 2018 WHO report also notes that:
‘In Albania, PHC is organized through a public network of providers of health
services. …. On average, one PHC centre offers services to 8000–20 000
inhabitants, varying for urban and rural areas, registering a doctor: patient
ratio of 1:2500 and nurse: patient ratio of 1:400. All PHC centres are
responsible for 24/7 duty…
‘All PHC centres are under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health
and Social Protection, which recruits the medical and non-medical personnel
and is responsible for investing in infrastructure and equipment. In most
cases, the buildings and land are the property of the Ministry of Health and
Social Protection or of the local governments. Each PHC centre has a chief
physician, who is usually a general practitioner (GP).’ 20
Back to Contents
3.6 Impact of COVID-19
3.6.1 In an undated report, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) noted that ‘COVID-19 had an impact on Albanian

17 Expatfinder, ‘Healthcare in Albania’, no date

18 Expatfinder, ‘Healthcare in Albania’, no date
19 MedCOI: 20 March 2019
20 WHO, ‘Primary health care in Albania: rapid assessment’, 2018

Page 11 of 46
 citizens and its economy, but the authorities acted quickly to contain the
spread of the virus…
‘Albania has experienced several waves of the pandemic. The economy
reported the first case of COVID-19 on 8 March 2020. Two and a half
months later, there were around 300 cases and 10 registered deaths per
million inhabitants…
‘The prime minister declared a state of natural disaster throughout the
economy on 25 March 2020. The government then prolonged the state until
23 June 2020 and took a series of measures to control the epidemic…
‘Albania had in place policy framework that provided a basis for dealing with
the outbreak. It includes the National Civil Emergency Plan of Albania, the
Ministry of Health and Social Protection Emergency Operation Plan, the
National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan, and the
Infectious Diseases Hospital Crisis Prevention Plan, Focused on Pandemic
Flu H1N1.’21
3.6.2 The WHO coronavirus disease (COVID-19) live dashboard (with vaccination
data) noted that ‘In Albania, from 3 January 2020 to 9 December 2021
there have been 202,641 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3,126 deaths,
reported to WHO. As of 5 December 2021 , a total of 2,035,191 vaccine
doses have been administered.’22
3.6.3 OECD further noted that ‘The government has put in place numerous
measures (amounting to 4% of GDP) to support the healthcare system,
enterprises and households affected by the confinement measures…
‘It received emergency financing support from the International Monetary
Fund, the European Union and other donors to help assist with the crisis
response…
‘The short-term risk to human life from the COVID-19 has been curtailed
thanks to authorities’ early response and citizens’ respect of confinement
orders. Registered case and death numbers in Albania are among the lowest
in the Western Balkans region.’23
3.6.4 In an undated report, the COVID- 19 Health System Response Monitor
(HSRM) which is supported by the WHO, the European Commission and the
European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, stated that:
‘Measures have been implemented to reconfigure service delivery in an
effort to increase treatment capacity. Elective procedures are deferred, and
capacities at the two hospitals designated for COVID are freed from other
medical services which have been transferred to other public hospitals
(general surgery and urology to the Trauma Hospital, and TB to the Elbasan
Regional Hospital). There is no evidence (positive or negative) of the
implications of these efforts.
‘The COVID-19 designated hospitals that are meant to deal exclusively with
COVID-19 patients are the Infectious Disease Services at the University

21 OECD, ‘Impact of COVID- 19 in Albania’, no date

22 WHO, ‘COVID-19’ (COVID-19 live dashboard with vaccination data) , no date.
23 OECD, ‘Impact of COVID- 19 in Albania’, no date

Page 12 of 46
 Hospital Centre “Mother Tereza” (120 beds), named Hospital COVID 1, and
the University Hospital “Shefqet Ndroqi” (193 beds), named Hospital COVID
2.
‘The role of primary care providers with regard to COVID-19 cases consists
of:
• Supporting the surveillance teams in case detection and contact
tracing.
• Responding on the phone to questions and concerns of people who
are in their jurisdiction. Give advice, support, and medical assistance
as needed.
• Following up with isolated and quarantined individuals; make sure
they follow the medical advice and make sure they are transferred on
time to COVID hospitals by the Medical Emergency Service, in case of
a deterioration of their condition.
• Following up with convalescent/recovered cases after they are
discharged from the hospital.
‘There is an increased availability of video, telephone or other alternative
consultations for health services, including TeleMedicine Platform, E-referral,
and E-prescription.
‘Measures to ensure additional inpatient capacities for COVID-19 cases
include the following:
• Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 244 of 26 March 2020: "On
the placement at the disposal of the Ministry of Health and Social
Protection of the building of the former "Crystal" University”
• Normative Act No. 3 of 15 March 2020 “On special administrative
measures during the COVID-19 infection period: Depending on the
dynamics of hospitalization of people affected by COVID-19 infection,
private hospitals, outpatient services, accommodation facilities, auto-
ambulances and relevant health and support staff shall be made
available to MoHSP for facing COVID -19, upon the Order of the
Minister responsible for health”.
‘Measures were also taken to prohibit the export of medicines and medical
equipment from the Republic of Albania. Permission to export medicines and
medical equipment is granted only by authorization from the Minister of
Health and Social Protection (Order of the Minister of Health and Social
Protection No. 131 of 8 March 2020: “On the prohibition of the export of
medicines and medical equipment”).’24
Back to Contents
Section 4 updated: 10 December 2021

24 COVID- 19 Health System Response Monitor, ‘Albania’, no date

Page 13 of 46
4. Cancer treatment (oncology)
4.1 Prevalence and available treatment facilities
4.1.1 With support of the WHO and the Regional Office for Europe, Albania’s
Ministry of Health published the National Cancer Control Program 2011-
2020 in April 2011. The program noted that nine of the most common
cancers in Albania were:
• Breast.
• Central nervous system.
• Larynx.
• Lung.
• Rectum.
• Skin.
• Stomach.
• Urinary tract.
• Uterus25.
4.1.2 Albania’s National Cancer Control Program noted that ‘The National
Committee for Cancer Control is fully functional and currently leads the
National Cancer Control Program (NCCP). For the four key components:
prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and palliative care,
responsibilities and specific tasks are designed.
‘The National Cancer Control Program document is developed and reviewed
by all actors involved in the fight against cancer in Albania.
‘The 10- year action plan (2011-2020 which includes activities, timelines and
budget is developed based on national priorities.’26
4.1.3 The same source added that ‘The cancer registry is based on hospital
records of the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center in Tirana (TUHC).
The computerization of data has started in 2008. The data collected from 36
districts are then sent to TUHC. The cancer and risk factors surveillance is
based on the institutional collaboration between TUHC and the Institute of
Public Health.27
4.1.4 Albania’s National Cancer Control Program further stated that ‘The National
Oncology Service is part of “Mother Teresa” Hospital and the only
specialized public institution in the country, with a multi-disciplinary team
which deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment. This service has 111 beds,
31 physicians and consists of surgery pavilion (where surgery of breast,
colon and rectum, soft tissues and bones, testicles, skin, and melanoma are
performed), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, pathological anatomy, and
diagnostic radiology pavilions.

25 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 2.3.1), April 2011
26 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 2.3.1), April 2011
27 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 2.3.2), April 2011

Page 14 of 46
 ‘University Clinics within “Mother Teresa” Hospital are: General Surgery,
Urology, Surgery of the Thorax, Otorhinolaryngology, Maxillofacial Surgery,
and Neurosurgery. These services provide primarily surgical treatment for
tumors of the stomach, urinary tract, lung, head, neck, and brain.
• ‘Regional hospitals: generally, are not equipped in a modern way and
have less qualified medical personnel to diagnose and treat cancer.
• ‘Primary Health Care Centers and Specialties’ Policlinics: in Tirana
and other districts across the country there are such centers for
patients who initially go there for cancer diagnosis. These centers
also include other sections for ambulatory patients diagnosed and
treated for cancer (Oncology centers). These services are available in
the main districts of the country (Tirana, Durres, Shkoder, Fier, Vlore,
Lezhe, Elbasan, Kruje, Kavaja and Korca).
• ‘Private services: there is only one private complex hospital center in
Tirana, Hygeia hospital, which provides a high quality multi-
disciplinary complex service in oncology including radiotherapy with 2
linear accelerators, but every service is provided against direct
payment from the patient. The American hospital also provides
modern diagnostic service, as well as surgery and chemotherapy
treatment, also against direct payments from the patients.’28
4.1.5 The same source continued: ‘Cancer drugs, according to priority can be
divided into the following groups:
• ‘Curable cancers and those cancers where the cost-benefit rate
clearly favors the treatment with anti-tumor drugs and that can be
managed properly with basic treatment regimen, based on relatively
few drugs, which can be found in the market at relatively low cost as
generic medicines. The widespread availability of these drugs should
be the number one priority of health policy.
• ‘The second group of drugs may have some advantages in certain
clinical situations.
• ‘Based on current evidence, the third group of drugs (new drugs) is
considered as not essential to real effectiveness in cancer care.
Numerous new drugs are “aggressively” introduced into the market,
but most of them are expensive and of limited benefit.’29
Back to Contents
4.2 Breast cancer
4.2.1 The Government of Albania’s Instituti i Shendetit Publik (ISHP) noted in 2017
that the following treatments were available for breast cancer at the Mother
Teresa Hospital:
• Chemotherapy regimens: a treatment plan that specifies the
dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment;
in combination with:

28 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 4.6.2), April 2011
29 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 4.6.2), April 2011

Page 15 of 46
 • Taxane: a type of drug that blocks cell growth by stopping mitosis
(cell division). Taxanes interfere with microtubules (cellular structures
that help move chromosomes during mitosis). They are used to treat
cancer. A taxane is a type of mitotic inhibitor and a type of
antimicrotubule agent.
• Trastuzumab: a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and
stomach cancer. It is specifically used for cancer that is HER2
receptor positive. It may be used by itself or together with other
chemotherapy medication.
Chemotherapy drugs:
• Epirubicin: chemotherapy drug, an anthracycline topoisomerase II
inhibitor used as an adjuvant to treating axillary node metastases in
patients who have undergone surgical resection of primary breast
cancer.
• Cyclophosphamide: a chemotherapy drug in a class of medications
called alkylating agents. In treating cancer, it works by slowing or
stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.
• 5-fluorouracil: a chemotherapy drug. It slows the growth of cancer
cells.
• Docetaxel: an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic")
chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as a "plant alkaloid,"
a "taxane" and an "antimicrotubule agent"30.
4.2.2 An article published on 1 October 2018 in the medical journal The Breast
noted that Neoadjuvant therapy was available at the Mother Teresa
Hospital. The following information was found:
‘Neoadjuvant therapy refers to the systemic treatment of breast cancer prior
to definitive surgical therapy. The primary objective of neoadjuvant therapy is
to improve surgical outcomes in patients for whom a primary surgical
approach is technically not feasible and in patients with operable breast
cancer who desire breast conservation. Neoadjuvant therapy also allows for
an early evaluation of the effectiveness of systemic therapy.
‘Oncology Service in UHC “Mother Teresa” is the greatest service of treating
cancer in Albania, but it is not the only one. There are also some private
hospitals which treat patients diagnosed with cancer.’31
4.2.3 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for breast cancer was
available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Mother Teresa University Hospital, Rruga
e Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient, and follow up treatment by an oncologist.
• ‘Oncology: radiation therapy.

30 ISHP, ‘The adjuvant treatment of breast cancer …’, 2017

31 The Breast, ‘Neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer …’, 1 October 2018

Page 16 of 46
 • ‘Diagnostic imaging by means if integrated PET/CT scan, partly
available: Only CT scan is available, PET- scan is not available.
• ‘Oncology: terminal and palliative care.’32
4.2.4 ‘Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication used to treat breast
cancer was available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital- Pharmacy, Rruga e Dibres 372, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Daratumumab- Immunosuppressants.
• ‘Anastrozole- oncology: anti- hormones; aromatase- inhibitors.
• ‘Exemestane- oncology: anti- hormones; aromatase- inhibitors.
• ‘Letrozole- oncology: anti- hormones; aromatase- inhibitors.
• ‘Pertuzumab- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Bevacizumab- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Tamoxifen- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy/ antineoplastics.
• ‘Trastuzumab- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy/ antineoplastics.
• ‘Rituximab- oncology: monoclonal antibodies
• ‘Mirtazapine- psychiatry: antidepressants.’33
Back to Contents
4.3 Colon carcinoma with metastasis (cancer of the colon)
4.3.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for colon carcinoma
with metastasis was found to be available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient treatment by an oncologist.
• ‘Oncology: radiation therapy.
• ‘Terminal and palliative care.
• ‘Surgery: specifically, oncological surgery.’34
‘Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication used to treat cancer
of the colon was available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital- Pharmacy, Rruga e Dibres 372, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Trifluridine + tipiracil (e.g. Lonsurf- tradename)- oncology:
cytostatics/ chemotherapy.’35
Back to Contents

32 MedCOI: 13 March 2019

33 MedCOI: 13 March 2019
34 MedCOI: 13 March 2019
35 MedCOI: 13 March 2019

Page 17 of 46
4.4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
4.4.1 An example of mixed type Hodgkin’s lymphoma at advanced stage (also with
secondary diagnoses of small ovarian cysts and thymus tissue) was found in
MedCOI. Treatment was found to be available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an oncologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a haematologist.
• ‘Diagnostic research: bone marrow puncture.
• ‘Laboratory research of liver function (PT, albumin, bilirubin,
transaminases: ASAT (=SGOT), ALAT (=SGPT).
• ‘Laboratory research of renal/kidney function (creatinine, ureum,
proteinuria, sodium, potassium levels).
• ‘Laboratory research/ monitoring of full blood count, e.g. Hb, WBC
and platelets.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of x-ray radiography.
• ‘Oncology: radiation therapy.
‘University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Geraldine,
Rruga bulevardi zogu I pare, stacioni i trenit Tirane. Tirana (public
facility).
• ‘Inpatient treatment by a gynaecologist.’36
4.4.2 ‘Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication used to treat
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital- Pharmacy, Rruga e Dibres 372, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Blemycin- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Cyclophosphamide- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Doxorubicin (brand name Adriamycin)- oncology: cytostatics/
chemotherapy.
• ‘Etoposide- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Procarbazine- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.
• ‘Vincristine- oncology: cytostatics/ chemotherapy.’37
Back to Contents
4.5 Leukaemia
4.5.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for Leukaemia was
available at the following hospitals:

36 MedCOI: 12 March 2019

37 MedCOI: 12 March 2019

Page 18 of 46
 ‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a haematologist.
‘Note: allogeneic stem cell transplantation including pre- and aftercare is not
available in Albania, but follow up after this service (outside of Albania) is
available at the public hospital Mother Teresa and at private hospitals:
‘Hygeia Hospital Tirana, Fushe Mezez Komuna Kashar, Tirana (private
facility).
‘Spitali Amerikan, Prane S.U.T, Rruga Lord Bajron, Tirana (private
facility).’38
Back to Contents
4.6 Lung cancer
4.6.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for lung cancer was
available at the following hospitals:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an oncologist.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of MRI.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by scintigraphy (nuclear medicine).
‘Shefqet Ndroqi Lung Hospital/ University Hospital of Lung Diseases,
Rruga Dr Shefqet Ndroqi, Tirane, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a pulmonologist.’39
4.6.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication used to treat lung
cancer was available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Pembrolizumab- oncology: monoclonal antibodies.’40
Back to Contents
4.7 Melanoma
4.7.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for melanoma
(malignant melanoma on the face) was available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an oncologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a dermatologist.’41

38 MedCOI: 26 February 2019

39 MedCOI: 5 February 2020
40 MedCOI: 5 February 2020
41 MedCOI: 18 January 2019

Page 19 of 46
4.7.2 ‘Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication used to treat
melanoma was available at the following facility:
‘Florifarma Pharmacy, A. Bulevardi “Zogu I”, Tirana (private facility):
• ‘Nivoluman- oncology: monoclonal antibodies.’42
Back to Contents
4.8 Radiation therapy
The International Atomic News Agency (IAEA) noted that ‘Radiation therapy
machines are an essential part of effective cancer treatment…
‘“Mother Teresa”, which treats 90% of all cancer cases, is the only public
hospital that provides radiation therapy treatment in this country of 3.3 million
people.
‘The IAEA and Albania’s government joined forces ten years ago to support
the hospital and have paid for the installation of this latest machine as well.
‘But it takes a lot more than the right equipment to provide effective cancer
treatment.
‘The IAEA has assisted with drafting a national cancer control programme in
Albania and the commissioning of nuclear medicine and radiotherapy
machines since the establishment of the first radiotherapy unit at the hospital
in 1966. It has also trained medical staff in machine handling and radiation
safety”, said Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu.
‘Over the last few years, the hospital has expanded treatment techniques
from cobalt teletherapy to linear accelerators, allowing doctors to treat
complex cases faster and with more precision.
‘Today, the hospital has two linear accelerators (linac) for radiotherapy
treatment and one single-photo emission computed tomography (SPECT-
CT) machine for the diagnosis of cancer, cardiovascular and other chronic
non-communicable diseases. The second linac was delivered to the hospital
in May 2018.’43
4.8.1 IAEA also noted oncology treatments at the Mother Teresa Hospital where
‘A linear accelerator is the device most commonly used to treat cancer with
external beam radiation.
‘This machine is used to treat all organs of the body. It delivers high-energy
X-rays or electrons to the region of the patient's tumour. These treatments
can be designed in such a way that they destroy the cancer cells while
sparing the surrounding normal tissue.
‘Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is a branch of medicine that focuses on
the use of radiation to treat cancer. It is designed to use radiation to target
and kill cells. In the case of cancer, when the radiation is applied to a
cancerous tumour, or a mass of malignant cells, the targeted cells are

42 MedCOI: 18 January 2019

43 IAEA, ‘Ten Years of Bringing Hope to Cancer Patients in Albania …’, 5 October 2018

Page 20 of 46
 damaged and killed, leading to a reduction of the tumour size or, in some
cases, the disappearance of the mass.’44
Back to Contents
4.9 Thyroid cancer
4.9.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for thyroid cancer
(metastasised papillary thyroid carcinoma) was available at the following
hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an oncologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an endocrinologist.
• ‘Surgery- specifically endocrine surgery (e.g. for thyroid carcinoma).
• ‘Surgery- specifically oncological surgery.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of MRI.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by Doppler ultrasound/ sonography.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by Transcranial Doppler (TCD) to measure blood
flow through brain’s blood vessels.
• ‘Laboratory research of thyroid functions (TSH, T3, T4).
• ‘Diagnostic research- tumormarker thyroglobulin (Tg) (in Thyroid
cancer).’45
4.9.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication for thyroid cancer
was available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Levothyroxine- endocrinology: thyroid hormones.
• ‘Liothyronine sodium- endocrinology: thyroid hormones.
• ‘Thyroxin- endocrinology: thyroid hormones.’46
Back to Contents
Section 5 updated: 10 December 2021
5. Cardiology
5.1.1 In 2016, an article in the academic publisher Scientific Research stated that:
‘Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and
mortality in Albania. According to Institute of Statistics of Albania (ISA), CHD
remains in the 5 first places caused mortality and morbidity in our country.
Currently, all the protocol treatments to Mother Teresa University Hospital
(MTUH) are focused on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as the

44 IAEA, ‘Ten Years of Bringing Hope to Cancer Patients in Albania …’, 5 October 2018
45 MedCOI: 30 January 2020
46 MedCOI: 30 January 2020

Page 21 of 46
 primary target for risk reduction therapy, followed by triglycerides (TG) and
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).’47
5.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that cardiology (heart) treatment
was available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a cardiologist.
• ‘Cardiology- placement of pacemaker.
• ‘Cardiology- maintenance and follow up of pacemaker.
• ‘Cardiac surgery- heart valve surgery.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of ultrasound of the heart.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging- ECG (electro cardiogram; cardiology).’48
5.1.3 ‘Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication for cardiology was
available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Ramipril- cardiology: anti- hypertension; ACE inhibitor.
• ‘Captopril- cardiology: anti- hypertension; ACE inhibitor.
• ‘Fosinopril- cardiology: anti- hypertension; ACE inhibitor.’49
5.1.4 The private hospital Spitali Amerikan stated there was availability to treat the
most severe cases of acute myocardial infarcations (heart attacks) and that
the cardiology department provided a 24-hour service50.
Back to Contents
Section 6 updated: 10 December 2021
6. Diabetes
6.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for diabetes (type 2
diabetes melitus) was available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facilicty):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an endocrinologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an internal specialist (internist).
• ‘Medical devices internal medicine: blood glucose meter for self use
by patient.

47 Scientific Research, ‘Use of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications …’, 6 June 2016

48 MedCOI: 21 January 2019
49 MedCOI: 21 January 2019
50 Spitali Amerikan, ‘Cardiology’, no date

Page 22 of 46
 • ‘Medical devices internal medicine: blood glucose self-test strips for
use by patient51.
• ‘Laboratory research of blood glucose (incl. HbA1C/ glyc.Hb).’52
6.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication for diabetes was
available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Glimepiride- diabetes: oral/ tablets53.
• ‘Insulin: long acting [24hr]; insulin glargine like Lanctus- Diabetes:
insulin injections.
• ‘Metformin- Diabetes: oral/ tablets.’54
Back to Contents
Section 7 updated: 10 December 2021
7. Ear, nose, and throat conditions
7.1.1 In 2016, an article entitled ‘Prevalence and Factors associated with Hearing
Impairment in Preschool Children in Albania’ by Suela Sallavaci in the
Archives of Medicine, noted that treatment for Ear, Nose and Throat
conditions were available at the University Medical Center of Tirana Mother
Teresa Hospital, Rruga e Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility)55.
7.1.2 Examples of private treatment for ENT conditions were also found to be
available at:
• Ear Nose and Throat Clinic, Tirana56.
• Spitali Amerikan (American Hospital)57.
Back to Contents
Section 8 updated: 10 December 2021
8. Eye treatment (ophthalmology)
8.1.1 Information found on MedCOI gave an example for treatment of glaucoma
which was available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an ophthalmologist.
• ‘Ophthalmology: intravitreal injection with medication.

51 MedCOI: 21 April 2020

52 MedCOI: 29 September 2020
53 MedCOI: 21 April 2020
54 MedCOI: 29 September 2020
55 Suela Sallavaci, ‘Prevalence and Factors associated with Hearing …’, 25 June 2016
56 Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, ‘ About: Welcome to ENT Clinic’, no date
57 Spitali Amerikan, ‘ENT’, no date

Page 23 of 46
 • ‘Surgery, specifically ophthalmological surgery: lens implantation and
vitrectomy.’58
8.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that ophthalmology medication
(specific to glaucoma) was available at the following facilities:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Neomycin- antibiotics: aminoglycosides.
• ‘Brimonidine- ophthalmology: anti glaucoma.
• ‘Brinzolamide- ophthalmology: anti glaucoma.
• ‘Dexamethasone + neomycin = polymyxin B- ophthalmology:
corticosteroids + antibiotics eye drops/ gel.
• ‘Dexamethasone + chloramphenicol + polymyxin B
(combination)- ophthalmology: corticosteroids + antibiotics eye
drops/ gel.
• ‘Dexamethasone- ophthalmology: corticosteroid.
• ‘Prednisolone eye drops- ophthalmology; corticosteroid.
‘Florifarma Pharmacy, A. Bulevardi “Zogu I”, Tirana (private facility):
• ‘Brinzolamide + brimonidine (combination)- ophthalmology:
glaucoma combinations.’59
8.1.3 Examples of private treatment in ophthalmology was also found to be
available at:
• Spitali Amerikan (American Hospital)60.
• Tirana Eye Clinic61.
• German Eye Clinic, Spitali Hygeia, Tirana62.
Back to Contents
Section 9 updated: 10 December 2021
9. Gastroenterological conditions
9.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat
gastroenterological conditions (note: gastroenterology is the branch of
medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases
affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from mouth into
anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this speciality) was
available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):

58 MedCOI: 23 March 2020

59 MedCOI: 23 March 2020
60 Spitali Amerikan, ‘Ophthalmology’, no date
61 Tirana Eye Clinic, ‘Where vision meets professionals’, no date
62 Med and Tour, ‘DE Med Ophthalmologist Institute German Eye Clinic, Hygeia Hospital …’, no date

Page 24 of 46
 • ‘Bisacodyl- gastroenterology: for constipation/ laxatives.
• ‘Psylliumseeds- gastroenterology: for constipation/ laxatives.
• ‘Pantoprazole- gastroenterology: stomach; proton pump inhibitors63.
• ‘Lansoprazole- gastroenterology: stomach; proton pump inhibitors.
• ‘Omeprazole- gastroenterology: stomach; proton pump inhibitors64.
• Granisetron- gastroenterology: against nausea/ motion sickness.
• Macrogol- gastroenterology: for constipation/ laxatives.
• Lactitol- gastroenterology: for constipation/ laxatives.
• Psylliumseeds- gastroenterology: for constipation/ laxatives65.
• Amylase- Gastroenterology: pancreas enzymes.
• Lipase- Gastroenterology: pancreas enzymes.’66
9.1.2 An example of private treatment in gastroenterology was also found to be
available at:
• Spitali Amerikan (American Hospital)67.
Back to Contents
Section 10 updated: 10 December 2021
10. Gynaecological conditions and obstetrics
10.1.1 Regarding public hospitals, the Albania Daily News reported on 16 August
2021 that ‘The Minister of Health, Ogerta Manastirliu has inspected the new
laboratory installed in the “Queen Geraldine” Maternity Hospital in Tirana.
‘Manastirliu says that now the laboratories with standardized service are
functional in 10 hospitals in Albania.
‘She emphasises that the digitized network of 18 laboratories in public
hospitals offers higher quality and security.
‘… I am here with the medical staff in inspection in the new maternity
laboratory “Queen Geraldine”, which is added to the network of public
laboratories with international standards, increasing the quality of service for
mothers and children.’68
10.1.2 Examples of treatments and care for gynaecology and obstetrics were found
to be available at the following private facilities:
• ‘Gynaecological Obstetric University Hospital "Koço Gliozheni" -
University hospital in Elbasan, Albania69.

63 MedCOI: 14 October 2019

64 MedCOI: 30 March 2020
65 MedCOI: 10 April 2020
66 MedCOI: 4 March 2020
67 Spital Amerikan, ‘Gastroenterology’, no date
68 Albanian Daily News, ‘Manastirliu Inspects New Laboratory …’, 16 August 2021
69 Top- Rated.online, ‘Gynecological Obstetric University Hospital …’, 25 December 2020

Page 25 of 46
 • ‘Spitali Amerikan (American Hospital)70.
Back to Contents
Section 11 updated: 10 December 2021
11. HIV/AIDs
11.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for HIV/AIDs was
available at the following facilities:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Outpatient treatment and follow up by a HIV specialist.
• ‘Laboratory research: resistance test for antiretroviral drugs.
‘Public Health Institute (Instituti i Shendetit Publik), Alexander Moisiu
Str. 80 Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Laboratory research HIV: CD4 count.
• ‘Laboratory research HIV: viral load.’71
11.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat HIV/AIDs
was available at the following facilities:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Elvitegravir- infections: HIV; antiretrovirals.
• ‘Emtricitabine- infections: HIV; antiretrovirals.
• ‘Tenofovir alafenamide- infections: HIV; antiretrovirals.
• ‘Descovy (combination of emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide)-
infections: HIV; antiretrovirals; combinations.’72
• Cobicistat- infections: HIV; antiretrovirals.
• Darunavir- infections: HIV; antiretrovirals.
Note: in the public sector: re- supply time for antiretrovirals- valganciclovir,
dolutegravir and resolsta at the Teresa Hospital Pharmacy is 6 months.
‘Florifarma Pharmacy, A. Bulevardi “Zogu I”, Tirana (private facility):
• ‘Dolutegravir: infections: HIV; antiretrovirals. Available but currently
experiencing supply problem, time of resupply: 4 weeks.
• ‘Rezolsta (combination of darunavir/ cobicistat)- infections: HIV;
antiretrovirals; combinations. Available but currently experiencing
supply problem, time of resupply: 4 weeks.’73
Back to Contents

70 Spitali Amerikan, ‘Obstetric Gynecology’, no date

71 MedCOI: 10 October 2020
72 MedCOI: 15 June 2019
73 MedCOI: 10 January 2020

Page 26 of 46
 Section 12 updated: 10 December 2021
12. Kidney diseases (nephrology)
12.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that nephrology treatment for renal/
kidney disease was available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Nephrology- chronic haemodialysis.
• ‘Outpatient and follow up by a nephrologist.
• ‘Laboratory research of renal/ kidney function (creatinine, ureum,
proteinuria, sodium, potassium levels).
• ‘Laboratory research: PTH, calcium, phosphate74.
• ‘Inpatient treatment by a nephrologist.
• ‘Surgery: specifically, renal/ kidney surgery.75
‘American Hospital, Lapraka, Tirana (private facility).
• ‘Transplantation of kidney including all pre- and aftercare.
• ‘Transplantation aftercare: treatment of graft rejection.’76
12.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat kidney and
renal conditions were available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Ferrioxidesaccharate (ferric saccharate) oral use for phosphate
binding- nephrology: phosphate binder: not calcium and not
aluminium containing.
• ‘Lanthanum carbonate- nephrology: phosphate binder: not calcium
and not aluminium containing.
• ‘Calcium acetate + magnesium carbonate- nephrology: phosphate
binder: calcium containing.
• ‘Calcium carbonate- nephrology: phosphate binder: calcium
containing’77.
Back to Contents
Section 13 updated: 10 December 2021
13. Liver conditions (hepatology) and liver transplants
13.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for liver conditions
were available at the following hospital:

74 MedCOI: 17 January 2020

75 MedCOI: 30 March 2020
76 MedCOI: 17 January 2020
77 MedCOI: 17 January 2020

Page 27 of 46
 ‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
‘Hepatitis B:
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a hepatologist.
• ‘Laboratory research of Hep B serology.
• ‘Laboratory research of Hepatitis B antibodies; HBsAb, ABeAb,
HBcAb.
• ‘Laboratory research of Hepatitis B antigens; HBsAg, HBeAg.
• ‘Laboratory research of liver function (PT, albumin, bilirubin,
transaminases: ASAT (= SGOT), ALAT (=SGPT).
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a gastroenterologist in the
gastric hepatologic ward.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of computed tomography (CT scan).’78
13.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat liver
conditions were available at the following facility:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
‘Hepatitis B:
• ‘Lamivudine- antivirals; Hepatitis B.
• ‘Tenofovir alafenamide- infections: antivirals; Hepatitis B.’79
13.1.3 Facilities for liver transplants were found to be available at the following
private hospitals
• ‘Athina80.
• ‘Spitali Amerikan81.
Back to Contents
Section 14 updated: 10 December 2021
14. Lung diseases (pulmonology)
14.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for lung diseases
were available at the following hospital:
‘Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- COPD:
‘Shefqet Ndroqi Lung Hospital/ University Hospital of Lung Diseases,
Rruga Dr Shefqet Ndroqi, Tirane, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up treatment by a pulmonologist.
• ‘Diagnostic research, in the form of lung function tests (i.e. spirometry)

78 MedCOI: 15 December 2020

79 MedCOI: 15 December 2020
80 Athina Global Health, ‘Liver Transplant Hospital in Albania’, no date.
81 Spitali Amerikan, ‘Liver transplant successfully …’, 14 November 2017

Page 28 of 46
 • ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of x- ray radiography.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging be means of computered tomography (CT scan)
with contrast.
• ‘Diagnostic research: measuring blood oxygen/ arterial blood gas
(Astrup).’82
‘Cystic Fibrosis:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a general practitioner (GP).
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an internal specialist (internist).
• ‘Laboratory research: medication level in the blood.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a dietitian.
‘University Hospital Shefqet Ndroqi Pharmacy, Rruga Dr Shefqet
Ndroqi, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a pulmonologist (note: this also
covers treatment for patients with Asthma83).
• ‘Pulmonology: assisted cough techniques; air stacking therapy and
training.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a physical therapist.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of computed tomography (CT Scan).
• ‘Diagnostic research, in the form of lung function tests (i.e.
spirometry)84.
14.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat the lung
disease at the following facilities:
‘University Hospital Shefqet Ndroqi Pharmacy, Rruga Dr Shefqet
Ndroqi, Tirana (public facility):
‘COPD:
• ‘Ipratropium- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics; parasympatholytics.
• ‘Glycopyrronium bromide: Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics;
parasympatholytics.
• ‘Tiotropium- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics; parasympatholytics.
• ‘Fenoterol- Pulmonology COPD medication.
• ‘Ipratropium + feneterol (combination) - Pulmonology COPD
medication.

82 MedCOI: 3 November 2020

83 MedCOI: 29 September 2020
84 MedCOI: 4 March 2020

Page 29 of 46
 • ‘Indacaterol + glycopyrrolate (combination)- Pulmonology COPD
medication.
• ‘Salbutamol + opratropium- Pulmonology COPD medication.
• ‘Tiotropium + olodaterol- Pulmonology COPD medication85.
• ‘Formoterol- Pulmonology: COPD medication.
• ‘Salmetorol- Pulmonology: COPD medication.
• ‘Salmetorol + Fluticasone (propionate): Pulmonology: COPD
medication.
‘Cystic Fibrosis and COPD:
• ‘Beclometasone + formoterol (combination)- Pulmonology: COPD
medication
• ‘Dornase alfa- Pulmonology: expectorants/ mucolytics.’86
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
‘Cystic Fibrosis:
• ‘Mometasone nasal spray E.N.T. – Nose spray, corticosteroid.
• ‘Beclomethasone nasal spray E.N.T. – Nose spray, corticosteroid.
• ‘Tobramycin- infections: antibiotics; aminoglycosides.
• ‘Azithromycin – infections: antibiotics; macrolides.
• ‘Beclomethasone – pulmonology: COPD medication.
• ‘Vitamins A, E, K and D supplements87.
‘Asthma:
• ‘Salmeterol- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics.
• ‘Salmeterol + fluticasone (propionate)- Pulmonology: anti-
asthmatics.
• ‘Bedesonide + salmeterol (combination)- Pulmonology: anti-
asthmatics.
• ‘Fluticasone (propionate) + formoterol- Pulmonology: anti-
asthmatics.
• ‘Formoterol- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics.
• ‘Vilanterol + fluticasone furoate (combination)- Pulmonology: anti-
asthmatics.
• ‘Fluticasone- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics; inhalation
corticosteroids.

85 MedCOI: 3 November 2020

86 MedCOI: 4 March 2020
87 MedCOI: 4 March 2020

Page 30 of 46
 • ‘Budesonide- Pulmonology: anti- asthmatics; inhalation
corticosteroids.’88
Back to Contents
Section 15 updated: 10 December 2021
15. Mental health, psychiatry
15.1.1 See the country policy and information note (CPIN) on mental healthcare in
Albania.
Back to Contents
Section 16 updated: 10 December 2021
16. Neurological conditions
16.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment for neurological
conditions were available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
‘Epilepsy:
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a neurologist.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of a EEG (Electro Encephalo
Gram)89’90
• ‘Special clinic for epilepsy patients. Partly available: There is a special
ward for epilepsy patients within the neurology clinic; so, this is not a
completely separate special clinic for epilepsy.91
‘Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a neurologist.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of MRI.
• ‘Diagnostic means by means of ultrasound of the heart (=
echocardiography = TTE)
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a urologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a physical therapist.
• ‘Medical devices: wheelchair.’92
16.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medication to treat neurological
conditions were available at the following facility:
‘Epilepsy:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):

88 MedCOI: 29 September 2020

89 MedCOI: 30 July 2019
90 MedCOI: 12 November 2019
91 MedCOI: 12 November 2019
92 MedCOI: 10 April 2020

Page 31 of 46
 • ‘Carbamazepine- Neurology: antiepileptics.
• ‘Lamotrigine- Neurology: antiepileptics.
• ‘Levetiracetam- Neurology: antiepileptics.
• ‘Valproic acid OR valproate OR depakine- Neurology:
antiepileptics.
• ‘Diazepam (reciole/ rectal suppository for epileptic attacks)-
Neurology: benzodiazepines to treat acute attacks e.g. status
epilepticus.
• ‘Diazepam (i.v. injection for epileptic attacks)- Neurology:
benzodiazepines to treat acute attacks e.g. status epilepticus.
• ‘Midazolam (nose spray for epileptic attacks)- Neurology:
benzodiazepines to treat acute attacks e.g. status epilepticus.
• ‘Midazolam (oromucasal solution for epileptic attacks)-
Neurology: benzodiazepines to treat acute attacks e.g. status
epilepticus.’93
• ‘Phenytoin - Neurology: antiepileptics
• ‘Clonazepam (buccal for epileptic attacks)- Neurology:
benzodiazepines to treat acute attacks e.g. status epilepticus.
• ‘Escitalopram- Psychiatry: antidepressants; SSRI.
• ‘Citopram- Psychiatry: antidepressants; SSRI.
• ‘Paroxetine- Psychiatry: antidepressants; SSRI.
• ‘Risperidone- Antipsychotics; modern atypical.94
‘Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
• ‘Fingolimod- Neurology: immunomodulator (treatment relapse MS).
• ‘Vitamin- vitamin D- supplements.’95
Back to Contents
Section 17 updated: 10 December 2021
17. Orthopaedics
17.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment in orthopaedics
(musculoskeletal system which includes bones, joints, ligaments, and
tendons) were available at the following hospital:
‘Military University Hospital, Tirana, Rruga Lord Bajron, Laprake,
Tirane, Tirana (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an orthopaedist/ orthopaedic
surgeon.

93 MedCOI: 30 July 2019

94 MedCOI: 12 November 2019
95 MedCOI: 10 April 2020

Page 32 of 46
 • ‘Surgery: specifically, orthopaedic surgery; hip replacement.’96
Back to Contents
Section 18 updated: 10 December 2021
18. Paediatrics
18.1 Inpatient and outpatient care
18.1.1 The Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG), launched on 15 September
2017 and the Teddy Network, an independent multi- disciplinary,
multinational network, noted in an undated report that the:
‘University Hospital Centre “Mother Teresa” in Tirana is a tertiary level
Hospital and the only academic and Research Hospital Centre in
Albania. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit treats postoperative patients
(abdominal and cardiac surgery and sometimes neurosurgery patients) as
well as medical severely ill patients with neurological, rheumatic, malignant
pathology, and poly-traumatised patients.’97
18.1.2 Information found on MedCOI indicated that treatment in paediatrics
(children) were available at the following hospital:
‘University Medical Center of Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital, Rruga e
Dibres 372, Tirana (public facility):
‘Congenital heart defect (patient age 6 months):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by paediatrician.
• ‘Cardiac surgery; paediatric heart surgery.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by paediatric cardiologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatric cardiac surgeon.
Note: transplantation of heart including all pre- and aftercare is not available
in Albania98.
‘Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica, genetically inherited disease from
birth (patient age 4) which starts with blisters on the skin and mucous
membranes with tissues forming scars when healing. This leads to adhesion
of toes, fingers, and sometimes the oesophagus.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatrician.
• ‘Outpatient and follow up by a physical therapist, and a paediatric
physical therapist.
• ‘Outpatient and follow up by an occupational therapist.
• ‘Surgery, specifically reconstructive surgery by a plastic surgeon.
• ‘Outpatient and follow up by a plastic surgeon.
• ‘Outpatient and follow up by an anaesthesiologist e.g. pain
management.

96 MedCOI: 14 November 2019

97 Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG), ‘Kids Albania’ (Teddy Network), no date
98 MedCOI: 6 January 2019

Page 33 of 46
 • ‘Special compresses, lightly adhesive (like various forms of mepilex
compresses).
• ‘Chlorine baths99.
‘Orthopaedics and rheumatology: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis with
multiple joint destructions and consecutive scoliosis and genu valgum
(patient age 9), includes ophthalmology:
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatrician.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatric rheumatologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatric ophthalmologist
and ophthalmologist.
‘Central Military University Hospital, Rruga “Lord Bajron” Laprake,
Laprake (public facility):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an orthopaedist/ orthopaedic
surgeon and paediatric orthopaedist/ orthopaedic surgeon100.
18.1.3 Information found on MedCOI indicated that medications for conditions in
paediatrics (children) were available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
‘Congenital heart defect (patient age 6 months):
• ‘Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)- cardiology: anti blood clotting;
antiplatelet aggregation.
• ‘Carbaslate calcium- anti blood clotting; antiplatelet aggregation.
• ‘Metoprolol- cardiology: anti hypertension; betablockers.
• ‘Atenolol- cardiology: anti hypertension; betablockers.
• ‘Furosemide- cardiology: anti hypertension; loop diuretics.
• ‘Spironolactone- cardiology: anti hypertension; potassium saving
‘diuretic.
• ‘Triamterene- cardiology: anti hypertension; potassium- saving
diuretic.
• ‘Cholecalciferol vitamins: vitamin D3
• ‘Vitamin D: vitamin D supplements.
‘Note: Carbasalate calcium is now available101.
‘Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica:
• ‘Clonidine- cardiology: anti- hypertension; central acting.
• ‘Zinc oxide- dermatology: agent for itchiness.

99 MedCOI: 28 December 2018

100 MedCOI: 22 June 2019
101 MedCOI: 6 January 2019

Page 34 of 46
 • ‘Levomenthol- dermatology: agent for itchiness.
• ‘Vaseline cetomacrogol cream- dermatology: agent for itchiness.
• ‘Lactulose- gastroenterology: constipation/ laxatives.
• ‘Macrogol- gastroenterology: constipation/ laxatives102.
‘Liver and spleen (and lungs) condition (patient- age 8) cystic
echinococcosis caused by echinococcosis granuloses infection (~2–7
millimeter long tapeworm found in dogs -definitive host- and sheep, cattle,
goats, and pigs -intermediate hosts):
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatrician.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatric surgeon.
• ‘Gastroenterology: percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts
(PEVAC).
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by Doppler ultrasound/ sonography.
• ‘Diagnostic imaging by means of MRI.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an infectiologist.
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by an internal specialist (internist).
• ‘Inpatient, outpatient and follow up by a paediatric pulmonologist.
• ‘Laboratory research of liver function (PT, albumin, bilirubin,
transaminases: ASAT (-SGOT), ALAT (=SGPT)103.
‘Orthopaedics and rheumatology: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis with
multiple joint destructions and consecutive scoliosis and genu valgum
(patient age 9) includes ophthalmology:
• ‘Ferrous sulphate- Haematology: against anaemia; iron deficiency.
• ‘Ferrous fumarate- Haematology: against anaemia; iron deficiency.
• ‘Ferrous gluconate- Haematology: against anaemia; iron deficiency.
• ‘Methotrexate- Immunosuppressants strong e.g. for rheumatology,
dermatology, colitis.
• ‘Isoniazid- Infections: tuberculosis, leprosy.
• ‘Pyrazinamide- infections: tuberculosis, leprosy.
• ‘Rifampicin- infections: tuberculosis, leprosy.
• ‘Ethamutol- infections: tuberculosis, leprosy.
• ‘Rifabutin- infections: tuberculosis, leprosy.
• ‘Cyclopentolate hydrochloride- Ophthalmology: mydriatic agents.
• ‘Phenylephrine- Ophthalmology: mydriatic agents.

102 MedCOI: 28 December 2018

103 MedCOI: 31 December 2019

Page 35 of 46
 • ‘Tropicamide- Ophthalmology: mydriatic agents.
• ‘Prednisolone acetate- Ophthalmology: corticosteroid.
• ‘Dexamethasone eye drops- Ophthalmology: corticosteroid.
• ‘Allopurinol- rheumatology and gout/ hyperuricemia: anti- gout.
• ‘Colchicine- rheumatology and gout/ hyperuricemia: anti- gout104.
‘Liver and spleen (and lungs) condition (patient- age 8) cystic
echinococcosis caused by echinococcosis granuloses infection (~2–7
millimetre long tapeworm found in dogs -definitive host- and sheep, cattle,
goats, and pigs -intermediate hosts):
• ‘Albendazole- infections: antiparasitics.
• ‘Ivermectin- infections: antiparasitics.
• ‘Mebendazole- infections: antiparasitics.
• ‘Niclosamide- infections: antiparasitics105.

‘Florifarma Pharmacy, A. Bulevardi “Zogu I”, Tirana (private facility):

• ‘Abatacept- Immunosuppressants strong e.g. for rheumatology,
dermatology, colitis.
• ‘Infliximab- Immunosuppressants strong e.g. for rheumatology,
dermatology, colitis106.
Back to Contents
18.2 Special needs
18.2.1 In an article entitled ‘Special Education Needs Provision within Mainstream
Education’, the European Commission’s European Education and Culture
Executive Agency (EACEA) noted on 28 March 2019 that until a few years
ago:
‘… the only access to education, children with disabilities had, was attending
a special primary school (Tirana, Vlora, Durrës and Elbasan) for the children
who had intellectual disabilities, or the School for Blind children” and “The
institute of deaf children” which are both in Tirana. The latter institutions offer
dorm rooms, and all the expenses are paid by the government. However, for
many years, a high number of children with disabilities have had unequal
access to education, especially attending secondary or higher level
education...
‘During the last decade, efforts have been made to develop a suitable
regulatory framework that would guarantee the inclusion of children with
disabilities, in all general schools. Law No. 69/2012, approved in July 2012
“On the Pre-university Education” marks an important step regarding the

104 MedCOI: 26 June 2019

105 MedCOI: 31 December 2019
106 MedCOI: 26 June 2019

Page 36 of 46
 rights of children with disabilities, for their overall inclusion and quality
education.
‘The principle of equality and non-discrimination is determined on the legal
basis that regulates it. Article 5 of this law guarantees the right for education
for a lot of categories, including the children with disabilities.
‘Article 20 guarantees the right to psycho-social services in the educational
institutions. Article 44 focuses on the curriculum, and emphasizes the fact
that the curriculum should be in compliance with the physical, mental, social,
and ethical development progress of the students, and their individual
learning characteristics…
‘Based on the regulatory framework that came into force, every child should
be educated, but the decision to enrol the child in general or special school,
is left in the hands of the parents. Thus, children with disabilities, regardless
of the type and severity of disability, have the right to enrol in nurseries,
kindergartens and general schools.’107
18.2.2 In a report published on 2 December 2017 entitled ‘We All Matter! Situation
Analysis of Children with Disabilities in Albania’, the United Nations
International Children’s emergency Fund (UNICEF) noted that,
‘Physiotherapy, speech therapy and other habilitation therapies are provided
mainly in day centers.’108
18.2.3 UNICEF further noted that ‘The government Child Care and Development
Centre in Tirana provides outpatient services for children with disabilities of
age 0–6 years. It also has a 30-bed residential service for children living
outside Tirana. The multidisciplinary team assesses children and provides
therapeutic services including physiotherapy.’109
18.2.4 Regarding rehabilitation and habilitaion services UNICEF noted in the same
report that:
‘…children are provided through the health services at medical centers and
hospitals and through municipal, NGO or privately run community-based
centers also called Day Centres, Day Care Centres or Community Day
Centres. According to both parents and children interviewed, Day Centres
provide physiotherapy, speech therapy and other types of developmental
therapy. Medical centers and hospitals provide some medicines and medical
treatments, but no therapy.’110
18.2.5 The Albanian news agency Exit News reported on 27 May 2021 that
‘Intellectual disabilities include Down syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). There are 681
people living with Down syndrome in Albania, about half of which (305) are
under 18 years old.
‘According to a World Vision study conducted in 2018, 1 in 10 children aged
2-17 exhibit a high rate of behavior difficulties such as: attention disorders,
communication or learning difficulties, memory problems, inappropriate

107 EACEA, ‘Albania, Special Education Needs Provision…’, 28 March 2019

108 UNICEF, ‘We All Matter! Situation Analysis of Children…’ (page 80), 2 December 2017
109 UNICEF, ‘We All Matter! Situation Analysis of Children…’ (page 84), 2 December 2017
110 UNICEF, ‘We All Matter! Situation Analysis of Children…’ (page 96), 2 December 2017

Page 37 of 46
 behavior, hearing and vision issues, difficulty in engaging in social
relationships, among others.
‘…10% of all children in Albania, about 70,000 in total, display difficulties but
have yet to be diagnosed…
‘In all of Albania, this assessment [early assessment of intellectual
disabilities] can only be done in two centers, both located in Tirana.’111
18.2.6 Exit News further noted that ‘… specialized therapy presents an extra cost
that families must bear all on their own. The average cost of private therapy
is about €365 per month, a considerable discrepancy when compared to the
€85 per month financial assistance that people with disabilities receive from
the state.’112
18.2.7 Two regional centres for autism were noted by the Non-Government
Organisation (NGO) Albanian Children Foundation on 2 April 2015 in a
report entitled ‘Inauguration of the second regional center for autism for adult
children’ and observed that ‘After the inauguration of the Regional Center
for Autism in Farka, 3 and a half years later the Albanian Children
Foundation inaugurates another Regional Center for Autism, [Regional
Center of Autism Nr.2 in Mjull-Bathore, Sauk] but this time for adult children
over the age of 7…
‘After a standardized work of the staff of therapist and employees of the
Center in Farka on modern methods, many children not only have overcome
the “non communication” condition, but around 20 of them have been
integrated into public and private schools in the country…
‘The second Regional Center for Autism is a Treatment, Therapeutic and
Educational center for the excellence of talents of children over the age of 7
years with autism spectrum disorder. The structured teaching at this center
is based on the combined work between behavioral therapist and
professionals from different social fields in order to generalize their
distinctive gifts and talents enhanced during therapy, as a profession for the
future…
‘Courses provided by the Center are: 1-Therapy (individual + group); 2-
Speech therapy; 3- Physiotherapy; 4- Painting; 5- Information Technology ;
6-Music; 7-Hairdresser; 8- Cooking; 9-Tailoring; 10-Physical education and
11- Gardening.
‘The social and physical environment set up and organized for these
courses, provides not only visual teaching practices and techniques of the
field, but also implementing them by children in order to enhance their gifts,
talents and promoting the consolidation of a profession for the future.’ 113
Back to Contents
Section 19 updated: 10 December 2021

111 Exit News, ‘Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Albania…’, 27 May 2021
112 Exit News, ‘Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Albania…’, 27 May 2021
113 Albanian Children Foundation, ‘Inauguration of the second regional center …’, 2 April 2015

Page 38 of 46
19. Painkillers
19.1.1 Information found on MedCOI indicated the following painkillers were
available at the following facility:
‘Mother Teresa Hospital Pharmacy, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana (public
facility):
• ‘Paracetamol- pain mediation: light.
• ‘Morphine- pain medication: strong medication.
• ‘Tramadol- pain medication: strong medication114.
• ‘Naproxen- pain medication: NSAID.
• ‘Diclofenac- pain medication: NSAID.
• ‘Ibuprofen – pain medication: NSAID115.
Back to Contents
Section 20 updated: 10 December 2021
20. Palliative care, nursing home care and geriatrics
20.1.1 The Albanian government’s National Cancer Control Program 2011- 2020,
published in April 2011 noted that:
‘Palliative care in Albania is relatively new. The first palliative care service for
terminal cancer patients was established in 1993 by Ryder Albania
Association. The Albanian Association of Palliative Care was established in
2002 as a consortium to develop palliative care in the country. Currently
there are a limited number of associations and only one public service of
palliative care that provide services to terminal cancer patients across the
country…
‘Generally, palliative care services are sporadic and do receive financial
support from the authorities and public health system.’ 116
20.1.2 Albania’s National Cancer Control Program stated that the main structures
involved in palliative care for oncology were:
• ‘Oncology Service in TUHC, which currently includes a psychologist
and a social worker. But terminal patients are not frequently
hospitalized in public hospitals, as they prefer to day [sic] at home.
• ‘Albanian Oncology Association, is a Not-for-Profit Organization
(NPO) active in:
o Public and professional education (organization of national and
international scientific activities), and publication of educative
materials intended for the general public (books, leaflets,
posters, etc.)

114 MedCOI: 28 December 2018

115 MedCOI: 22 June 2019
116 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 4.7.2), April 2011

Page 39 of 46
 o Prevention and early detection (nationwide activities against
tobacco), and activities for early detection of breast cancers,
skin and gynecological cancers.’117
20.1.3 The same source noted the following agencies were involved in palliative
care:
• Ryder Albania, a NPO (Not-for-Profit Organization), subsidiary of a
British charitable foundation, established in 1993, consisting of a multi-
disciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists
covering the area of Tirana and Durres.
• OSH (Oncologic Service at Home), a public service.
• The Team of Merry Potter, an NPO organisation. This group covers the
area of Korca.
• Center of Palliative Care Elbasan, an NPO providing palliative and
soothing care for cancer patients.
• Center of Palliative Care Lezha, a NPO providing palliative and
soothing care for cancer patients118.
20.1.4 Information found on MedCOI indicated that home assistance/ care at home
by a nurse was available via referral from the University Medical Center of
Tirana Mother Teresa Hospital (public facility)119.

117 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 4.7.4), April 2011
118 Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control…’ (section 4.7.4), April 2011
119 MedCOI: 7 May 2020

Page 40 of 46
Terms of Reference
A ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) is a broad outline of what the CPIN seeks to cover.
They form the basis for the country information section. The Home Office’s Country
Policy and Information Team uses some standardised ToR, depending on the
subject, and these are then adapted depending on the country concerned.
For this particular CPIN, the following topics were identified prior to drafting as
relevant and on which research was undertaken:

• Basic indicators
• Healthcare system
• Structure
• Doctors and specialists
• Pharmaceuticals
• Private and public hospitals
• Recent developments in healthcare
• Impact of COVID-19
• Cancer treatment (oncology)
• Prevalence and available treatment facilities
• Breast cancer
• Colon carcinoma with metastasis (cancer of the colon)
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Leukaemia
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma
• Radiation therapy
• Thyroid cancer
• Cardiology
• Diabetes
• Ear, nose, and throat conditions
• Eye treatment (ophthalmology)
• Gastroenterological conditions
• Gynaecological conditions and obstetrics
• HIV/AIDs
• Kidney diseases (nephrology)

Page 41 of 46
• Liver conditions (hepatology) and liver transplants
• Lung diseases (pulmonology)
• Mental health, psychiatry
• Neurological conditions
• Orthopaedics
• Paediatrics
• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Special needs
• Painkillers
• Palliative care, nursing home care and geriatrics
Back to Contents

Page 42 of 46
Bibliography
Sources cited
Albanian Children Foundation, ‘Inauguration of the second regional center for autism
for adult children’, 2 April 2015. Last accessed: 9 December 2021
Albanian Daily News, ‘Manastirliu Inspects New Laboratory in Queen Geraldine
Maternity Hospital’, 16 August 2021. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
Athina Global Health,
‘Female Breast Cancer Hospital in Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 27
October 2021
‘Liver Transplant Hospital in Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November
2021.
Computer and Enterprise Investigations Conference (CEIC), ‘Albania Physicians: per
1000 People’, no date. Last accessed: 8 December 2021
COVID- 19 Health System Response Monitor, ‘Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 25
October 2021
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, ‘ About: Welcome to ENT Clinic’, no date. Last
accessed: 23 November 2021
European Educational and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), ‘Albania, Special
Education Needs Provision within Mainstream Education’, 28 March 2019. Last
accessed: 9 December 2021
Exit News, ‘Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Albania Receive Little Assistance
from Government’, 27 May 2021. Last accessed: 9 December 2021
Expatfinder, ‘Healthcare in Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 27 October 2021
Gabriani J, Schindler C, Wyss K, ‘Perspectives of Public and Private Primary
Healthcare Users in Two Regions of Albania on Non-Clinical Quality of Care’ (Sage
Journals), 7 October 2020. Last accessed 7 December 2021
Government of Albania, Instituti i Shendetit Publik (ISHP), ‘The adjuvant treatment of
breast cancer human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) positive in Albania’,
2017. Last accessed: 26 October 2021
Hospitals World Guide, ‘Public hospitals in Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 19
November 2021
International Atomic News Agency (IAEA), ‘Ten Years of Bringing Hope to Cancer
Patients in Albania with IAEA Support’, 5 October 2018. Last accessed: 26 October
2021
International Trade Administration (ITA),
‘Healthcare- Albania’, 2019. Last accessed: 7 December 2021
‘Healthcare Resource Guide: Albania’ (Export.gov), Last updated October
2019. Last accessed: 9 December 2021
Med and Tour, ‘DE Med Ophthalmologist Institute German Eye Clinic, Hygeia
Hospital Tirana’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021

Page 43 of 46
MedCOI (subscription required). Last accessed: December 2020:
28 December 2018
6 January 2019
18 January 2019
21 January 2019
30 January 2019
5 February 2019
26 February 2019
12 March 2019
13 March 2019
20 March 2019
15 June 2019
22 June 2019
30 July 2019
14 October 2019
14 November 2019
31 December 2019
17 January 2020
4 March 2020
23 March 2020
30 March 2020
10 April 2020
21 April 2020
29 September 2020
3 November 2020
15 December 2020
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), ‘Impact of
COVID- 19 in Albania’, no date. Last accessed: 25 October 2021
Privacy Shield, ‘Albania- Pharmaceuticals’, no date. Last accessed: 9 December
2021
Republic of Albania, Ministry of Health, ‘The National Cancer Control Program 2011-
2020’, April 2011. Last accessed: 8 December 2021
Scientific Research, ‘Use of Cholesterol-Lowering Medications of Patients with
Myocardial Infarction from 2007-2015 in Cardiology Clinic to “Mother Teresa”
University Hospital in Albania’, 6 June 2016. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
Suela Sallavaci, ‘Prevalence and Factors associated with Hearing Impairment in
Preschool Children in Albania’, 25 June 2016. Last accessed: 23 November 2021

Page 44 of 46
Spitali Amerikan,
‘Cardiology’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
‘ENT’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
‘Gastroenterology’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
‘Liver transplant successfully realized in the American Hospital’, 14 November
2017. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
‘Obstetric Gynecology’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
‘Ophthalmology’, no date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
Top- Rated.online, ‘Gynecological Obstetric University Hospital “Koco Gliosheni”’, 25
December 2020. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
Tirana Eye Clinic, ‘Where vision meets professionals’, no date. Last accessed: 23
November 2021
The Breast, ‘Neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer in young women
in Albania’, 1 October 2018. Last accessed: 27 October 2021
UK Government Guidance, ‘List of medical facilities in Albania’, Updated 5 June
2020. Last accessed: 27 October 2021
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), ‘We All Matter!
Situation Analysis of Children with Disabilities in Albania’, 2 December 2017. Last
accessed: 9 December 2021
World Health Organisation (WHO),
‘Primary health care in Albania: rapid assessment’, 2018. Last accessed: 11
June 2021
‘COVID-19’, no date. Last accessed: 8 December 2021
Back to Contents
Sources consulted but not cited
European Society of Cardiology (ESC), ‘The Albanian Society of Cardiology’, no
date. Last accessed: 23 November 2021
The Borgen Project, ‘Progress for Maternal and Child Health Outcomes in Albania’,
16 December 2020
Back to Contents

Page 45 of 46
Version control
Clearance
Below is information on when this note was cleared:
• version 1.0
• valid from 25 January 2022

Official – sensitive: Start of section

The information in this section has been removed as it is restricted for internal
Home Office use only.

Official – sensitive: End of section

Changes from last version of this note

This is the first Country Policy and Information Note to be produced on this subject.
Back to Contents

Page 46 of 46