Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu visited the Regional Hospital of Vlora, where staff are coping with more patients during the tourist season.
Minister Koçiu first visited the hospital’s emergency department, which provides modern services for citizens and tourists during the summer.
Koçiu said the Vlora Emergency Department is especially busy in the summer because the city gets more visitors, including foreign tourists.
About 12,000 calls to the emergency number and 6,645 visits to homes have been made in Vlora this season.
More foreign tourists are coming to Albania. Hospitals, emergency rooms, and health centers must deal with the influx of patients with various problems. “All health teams must work together to react quickly,” said Minister Koçiu.
She acknowledged the significant contribution of the National Emergency in facilitating the coordination of cases.
Furthermore, the minister addressed the issue of hospital autonomy, noting that the Regional Hospital of Vlora is one of six health structures that have initiated the implementation of managerial autonomy since January of this year.
“All internal work practices are being conducted with the objective of determining the costs associated with the services provided. The objective is to evaluate the services that will be offered to citizens, local and foreign tourists, as well as to generate additional revenue. For those doctors interested in developing their practice outside of the official schedule, which may be defined as the period concluding with the official schedule, even double practice may be a beneficial option. “A change in mentality and a willingness to assume responsibility are essential,” Koçiu continued.
In a discussion with the medical personnel, Koçiu stated that the Ministry of Health and the government are committed to providing additional support as they have been doing with infrastructure improvements on a daily basis.
“The entire infrastructure of the Vlora Hospital has been upgraded to a standard and quality that is conducive to a more positive work environment. Investments in equipment are undoubtedly important, and we continue to implement the latest technology on a daily basis,” she continued.
The proposed increase in salaries for nurses by 15,000 ALL and for general doctors by 20,000 ALL above the current salary represents a significant incentive for healthcare professionals to perform their duties in a professional manner. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage those seeking to purchase their first home to take advantage of the recently reopened program. The government-backed zero-interest housing benefit program for doctors was initiated several years ago. In the meantime, the program has been reopened for the current year, and a notable addition is the inclusion of nurses. Applications will be accepted until August 14 on the E-Albania platform, according to a statement released by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu.