TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced today that ALL 250 million have been allocated in the 2027 draft budget for the forensic hospital, with construction set to begin early next year.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs during a presentation of the 2027 draft budget, Gogu answered questions from committee chairman Ulsi Manja regarding the management of the hospital.
“The conversion of the Shënkoll Prison Institution (EVP) into a hospital is set to get under way. The General Directorate of Prisons has selected a contractor to carry out a ALL 250 million contract at the beginning of next year, covering the construction of the first two hospital buildings. The remaining buildings will be developed in subsequent phases,” Gogu said.
Gogu explained that healthcare services at the hospital would be provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, while the General Directorate of Prisons would be responsible solely for securing the institution’s outer perimeter.
“From this point onwards, it will operate as a hospital rather than a penal institution. Construction of the hospital buildings within the prison facility is due to begin in early 2027,” Gogu stressed.
Gogu said the plans also envisage transferring responsibility for all healthcare services within the penitentiary system to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, while ensuring that prison doctors enjoy the same employment conditions and status as their counterparts in the civil healthcare system.
He further announced that the Institute for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Young People in Conflict with the Law in Mëzez is due for completion by the end of this year, with nationwide services scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.
/r.e/a.f/sm/
