TIRANA, Nov. 3 /ATA/ – Chemotherapy units at regional hospitals across Albania will be connected with primary healthcare centres from Jan. 1, 2027, to ensure continuous monitoring and coordinated care for cancer patients, Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu said on Tuesday.
During a visit to Vlora Regional Hospital, Spahiu outlined measures to strengthen healthcare services and expand access to treatment closer to patients’ homes.
The hospital is one of five regional facilities where haemodialysis services were transferred to state-run management on Nov. 1.
Spahiu said the planned network of regional hospital chemotherapy units and primary healthcare centres would be established with the launch of the National Oncology Institute on Jan. 1, 2027.
The initiative is expected to improve communication between oncologists and family doctors, enabling patients to receive continuous follow-up and care tailored to their individual needs, she said.
Particular attention will be given to patients living in remote areas, older people and those with mobility difficulties, with the aim of making healthcare services more accessible.
During a meeting with medical staff at Vlora Regional Hospital, officials also reported that 342 mammography examinations had been carried out at the hospital during October.
Spahiu stressed that preventive screenings should continue throughout the year rather than being concentrated solely around Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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