Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu gave the news emphasizing that, “This is a concrete step in implementing the Ministry’s policies for the decentralization of healthcare—bringing specialized treatment closer to citizens and reducing the patient influx toward university hospitals in Tirana.”

According to Spahiu, the mentorship model strengthens the capacities of regional and municipal hospitals, while the expertise of specialized medical teams is leveraged to address the needs of the public.

“A more balanced healthcare system means stronger local hospitals, easier access for citizens and a reduced burden on hospital centers in Tirana,” said Spahiu. The implementation of the first four interventions at Mirdita Municipal Hospital is part of an effort to expand the reach of health services and create a more balanced system, in which municipal and regional hospitals play a greater role in providing medical care.

This model also aims to reduce the flow of patients toward university hospitals in Tirana, thereby easing their burden while simultaneously improving citizens’ access to healthcare services.

Strengthening local hospitals and fostering collaboration with university medical centers represent a key policy direction for the Ministry of Health, aimed at decentralizing services and improving the delivery of healthcare across the country. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu gave the news while also expressing her gratitude to Professor Stanislao Rizzo.

“On behalf of Albanian government, I thanked Professor Stanislao Rizzo who performed the surgery with great professionalism, dedication and human compassion. In the meantime, the government also approved financial support for Erjon Vishkulli today,” said Spahiu.

Minister Spahiu remarked that, “Beyond professional knowledge and skill, it is precisely this human dimension—this coming together in the spirit of humanitarianism—that makes such situations so remarkable.”

“I wish Erjon a full recovery from the bottom of my heart. The success of the surgery is good news and the efforts toward restoring his vision will continue with patience and faith,” said Spahiu.

Erjon Vishkulli suffered an eye injury from a rubber bullet during the protest on October 24. Following a medical procedure in Tirana, Vishkulli was transported to Italy via a medical charter flight.

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Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu visited the center today, where she observed the work of the medical staff, the organization of services and the care provided to patients.

During the visit, Spahiu was informed that the facility has seen an increase in HPV vaccinations among boys—a preventive measure aimed at protecting health and reducing the risk of diseases associated with this virus.

Another aspect of the services provided is care for patients with mobility issues. Family doctors conduct home visits for individuals with disabilities and for patients who, due to their health condition, are unable to visit the center in person. For these patients, doctors maintain specific records and schedule visits according to an established calendar. The minister also met with young doctors completing their practical training at this center, learning about their experiences and their involvement in daily services.

“At a time of challenges, I believe our greatest responsibility is to be close to the citizens, to listen to their needs, and to demonstrate—through concrete action—what we are doing for them,” stated Spahiu.

Health Center No. 10 is the only one in the capital operating under this pilot model of family medicine, which aims to improve the organization of services and citizens’ access to healthcare. /e.xh/r.e/j.p/p.s./

Twelve people were treated and released, including six special forces officers, two media representatives and four bystanders.

Eight individuals received medical attention and were discharged from the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center (QSUNT), including a foreign diplomat, a media representative and six protesters.

The Ministry emphasized that comprehensive medical care is being provided to all injured individuals without distinction, strictly based on their clinical needs. Official figures and health updates will continue to be revised as data is verified by the relevant authorities.

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“We plan to integrate the entire radiology system into an artificial intelligence project very soon. This will offer significant advantages—not only for radiologists, but for the medical team as a whole—by enabling us to review and discuss cases collaboratively, with each specialist contributing their expert opinion. Operating within a unified system raises standards, ensuring that our diagnostic responses are well-coordinated,” Spahiu said.

Spahiu said that investments in technology and infrastructure will continue—including in mental health facilities—with the goal of improving treatment conditions, enhancing service quality and ensuring more dignified care for both patients and healthcare staff. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

This package sets a unified standard and procedures for the selection, training, certification and monitoring of professional foster families, as well as for the follow-up of the child throughout the entire period of alternative care.

Some time ago, Parliament passed the Alternative Care Act—a piece of legislation that received strong support from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. I believe it forms the foundation of our core vision: that every action taken must be in the best interest of the child. Fortunately, yesterday the government approved four key decisions—the result of extensive preparation. These decisions clearly outline the legal steps required when a child cannot receive parental care or live with their biological family, and must instead be placed in alternative family care, said Spahiu.

As part of the social care reform, plans are underway to establish a nationwide network of approximately 200 foster families. These families will welcome at-risk children and those without parental care who currently reside in social care institutions. To support this initiative, foster families will receive a monthly stipend, along with an additional monthly allowance of 12,000 lek to cover the child’s daily needs, and an annual payment of 35,000 lek for school supplies and other developmental expenses. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./

In her remarks, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu emphasized the need to upgrade eldercare services to better meet their needs, while calling for greater accountability and commitment from frontline care providers.

“While the Ministry has certainly implemented excellent projects to provide home-based care for the elderly and our planning is sound, we must improve the actual services delivered to this age group. Now, we will strive to be more efficient,” Minister Spahiu emphasized. Currently, the work has begun on establishing a Geriatric Service—initially at the Mother Teresa University Hospital Center (QSUT) and subsequently expanding to regional hospitals—aimed at providing specialized, integrated care for the elderly. This initiative seeks to address their health needs in a coordinated manner while ensuring continuity of care closer to their homes.

To further support the elderly, the Ministry of Health has been made available a green line; this serves as a direct communication channel for counseling, information and guidance toward necessary services. /p.s./

Begaj also issued a decree dismissing Sala from the post, which she had held since September 2025.

Parliament is expected to vote on Spahiu’s appointment later on Tuesday. She must then take the oath of office before the president before formally assuming her duties.

Prime Minister Edi Rama nominated Spahiu for the position several days ago, following Sala’s resignation.

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Klodiana Spahiu graduated with a degree in General Medicine from the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Medicine in 1997. She then completed her residency in cardiology from 1998 to 2002 at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital in Tirana. Over the years, she has advanced her expertise through extensive specialized training, including non-invasive cardiology (echocardiography, stress-ECG, and carotid Echo-Doppler) at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart’s Agostino Gemelli Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in Rome, Italy. In 2004, she completed postgraduate studies within the University of Tirana’s Department of Preclinical Studies. She later expanded into invasive cardiology in late 2005, training in cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography at Santa Chiara Hospital in Pisa, Italy. To complement her clinical expertise, she also earned a Professional Master’s degree in Health Management between 2012 and 2014.

Spahiu practiced as a physician in the First Cardiology Clinic at the University of Tirana. Between 2003 and 2009, she worked as a cardiologist in the pathology department at Durrës Hospital, where she was later appointed Hospital Director. Alongside her clinical work, she has extensive teaching experience. She served as a lecturer in the Department of Preclinical Studies at the University of Tirana from 2002 to 2003, and as an external physiology lecturer at UFO University in Tirana in 2006.Since 2008, she has served as an Associate Professor of Cardiology Practice at the Our Lady of Good Counsel University in Tirana. She holds a PhD in Medical Sciences.

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The meeting opened with discussions on the strong ties between Albania and France, noting the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in 2017 as a key framework.

“Parliamentary cooperation is vital for aligning strategies on bilateral ties, regional stability in the Western Balkans, Albania’s European integration, and multilateral engagement,” said Deputy Speaker Spahiu.

“Our journey toward EU membership is driven by a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. With overwhelming public support, European integration remains a powerful unifying force for our nation”, affirmed Spahiu.

While the members of the French delegation praised the reforms undertaken so far as well as the extraordinary progress that has been made with the opening of all group chapters within a year.

Meanwhile, for Spahiu, “The strategic reform agenda prioritizes strengthening the rule of law, accelerating anti-corruption efforts, modernizing public administration and guaranteeing legal certainty for investments and property rights”.

The delegations celebrated their flourishing bilateral ties. Key milestones include a booming tourism sector with 10 major French hotel projects, and enhanced educational collaboration highlighted by partnerships with Cannes schools and the planned reopening of the French Scientific Lyceum in Korça for tech and innovation. This shared growth complements their already robust political relationship.

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