QKUM head Skënder Brataj said the service received about 441,000 calls over the year, including around 144,000 home visits and 50,000 medical consultations coordinated through its central unit.

Brataj warned of the risks linked to the misuse of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices during holiday celebrations, particularly for children and young people.

“Pyrotechnics are commonly used during festivities, but their misuse poses serious risks,” he said, pointing to injuries such as burns, eye damage and fires in both open and enclosed spaces.

He urged citizens to use only legally approved and certified products and to keep children away from fireworks.

Brataj also advised maintaining a safe distance, avoiding hand-held ignition, not directing fireworks at others and refraining from their use under the influence of alcohol. In the event of an accident, he said, burns should be cooled with running water, while eye injuries should not be rubbed.

He also called for moderation in alcohol consumption, warning that the consequences of irresponsible behaviour can be long-lasting.

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During a visit to the Trauma University Hospital in Tirana, Health Minister revealed a series of measures to ensure best management of potential health emergencies during the year-end holidays.

“Health structures across the country will be ready to deliver care. The Trauma Hospital, Mother Teresa University Hospital Centre, as well as regional and municipal hospitals will be ready to ensure 24-hours care service on the year-end holidays. As many as 2000 doctors, nurses and health workers will be deployed to deliver health care,” Koçiu said.

Health Minister also announced that a government-funded project on reconstruction of the main building of Trauma Hospital is set to kick off in 2025.

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“As the year draws to a close, I am taking a moment to reflect on all we have achieved alongside Albania. When I came here in August, I saw a lot of work was being done. I am proud of what we have done together to strengthen Albania’s democracy, build our defense partnership, and increase business ties,” she said in a video message posted on the social media.

The U.S. diplomat recalled some of the key achievements as part of Albania-U.S. cooperation in 2024.

The Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn concluded her message the message with joint New Year greetings from the U.S. Embassy personnel in Tirana.

“I look forward to continuing to work together next year. I would like to wish everyone Happy New Year from us all at the Embassy of the United States of America,” she said.

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Health Minister told reporters underlined that full measures are in place to provide health and care assistance to every citizen across the country on New Year’s Eve.

“All health structures throughout the country, including primary health care centres, as well as regional and municipal hospitalities, will be on 24 standby during the end-year holidays. Around 2 000 doctors, nurses and health personnel will be ready to provide care and address any needs,” Koçiu added.

Health Minister put emphasis on the paediatric emergencies, saying that four health centres in Tirana will specifically tackle emergencies of the paediatric patients during New Year celebration.

She also noted that the National Health Emergency Service will also coordinate ambulances and health emergency posts to deliver primary health care to every citizen in case of emergency circumstances.

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“It is time for everyone to realize that our fight is not against each other, but it is a common fight against corruption, crime and insecurity for a better future we all need  to build in our lands, and stop the brain drain. Political parties must renew a spirit of cross-party dialogue and cooperation, seeing each other as representatives of different political convictions, but sharing a common goal: progress of Albania,” the head of state said in his message.

The President of the Republic noted that the country has been through tremendous challenges that seriously tested the human solidarity and the power of unity.

“As we were struggling to recover from the earthquake and the pandemic, another adversity took place this year; namely the unjustified Russia’s aggression on Ukraine. We were through serious challenges that really tested out our human solidarity and the power of unity,” President Begaj stated.

Begaj underlined Albania’s irreplaceable role as a factor of stability and peace in the region and vowed support for Kosovo’s aspirations to join the Euro-Atlantic bodies, the NATO and the European Union as soon as possible.

“Albanians in the region should be aware of our irreplaceable role as a factor of stability and security. The serious and intolerable situation triggered in the north of Kosovo should end immediately. The provocations and the threatening language are not the language one can speak. Dialogue and respect for the integrity of the Republic of Kosovo are the only way to solve problems. Albania will continue to support Kosovo on its path of Euro-Atlantic integration, for its speedy NATO and the European Union membership,” the Albanian head of state said.

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In her message, the American diplomat said: “2022 has been a year of extraordinary challenge and opportunities and I think we have made some progress together, Albanians and Americans, on issues of democracy, defence and business.”

The U.S. Ambassador listed some of the main historic events in the outgoing year.

“For the first time in history, Albania took its place alongside the United States as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Together we drove the agenda on global priorities, including supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal and unjustified invasion. Albania also continued to demonstrate its famed tradition of ‘Besa’ by giving Afghans a safe haven on route to new lives in America. Our two countries held the first strategic dialogue in Washington DC to strengthen our relationship and we will keep building on that,” Kim stated.

The U.S. diplomat also underlined that 2022 saw significant results in the fight against corruption, organized crime and impunity.

She noted that the justice reform has not been a easy, quick or perfect, but it is continuing to move forward.

For the first time – Kim went on saying – the U.S. troops are here in Albania on a continuing basis, as the U.S. Special Operations Command in Europe selected Albania as its regional headquarters, and as the U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Brigades established a new training programme with the Albanian forces.

Kim also noted that the Albanian-U.S. ties further strengthened during this year.

“The new ten-year visa validity for qualified Albanians will allow us to expand mutual opportunities for tourism, business, education and friendship. Business and investment between the United States and Albania also skyrocketed in 2022, as more U.S. companies entered the Albanian market. Trade, especially the Albanian exports, is also on an upward trend and that would create more jobs in Albania, as well as in America,” she said.

Concluding, U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim said 2022 was indeed a remarkable year and 2023 will be even better.

Health Minister visited the Trauma University Hospital Centre in Tirana and expressed gratitude to the medical personnel for their heightened readiness.

“A total of 100 health emergency teams will be deployed in the ground, whereas the medical teams have been reinforced to ensure 24-hours care service on the year-end holidays,” Manastirliu said.

“All the required measures are in place in the Trauma Hospital and every other hospital centre all over the country. The National Health Emergency service will be ready to take and tackle all the potential emergency calls. Likewise, a number of staff will be deployed on foot at the New Year’s Eve music and fireworks events at the main squares of the cities across the country to ensure best management of the possible health emergencies,” Manastirliu added.

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