Albania establishes first National Cancer Institute

Albania’s government approved the establishment of a National Cancer Institute, the first of its kind in the country, based on the European model used in Milan. The institute will integrate clinical oncology services—including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy—with education and research, featuring a dedicated clinical‑trial unit to enable Albanian patients to join international studies. It will also serve as the national hub coordinating the network of chemotherapy points, raising the total from eight to nine with a new site in Fier.

Alongside the institute’s launch, the cabinet removed the upper‑age ceiling for free basic health check‑ups, extending free screenings to all citizens aged 35 and over (later to those over 70). Responsibility for check‑up and dialysis services is being transferred to the state, with existing contracts ending by September–November. Funding will come from the state budget, with additional research funds and potential European grants earmarked for the new institute.