Albania faces acute shortage of specialist doctors in southeastern hospitals

The Albanian health system is confronting a severe deficit of specialist physicians in the southeastern region, particularly in the districts of Korçë, Pogradec, Devoll and Ersekë. Vacancies have been reported for three surgeons, two emergency doctors, a radiologist, an ophthalmologist, an ENT doctor, an obstetric‑gynecologist and a dermatologist at the Regional Hospital in Korçë, with similar gaps in the municipal hospitals of Kolonjë, Devoll and Pogradec. Many current positions are being filled by doctors past retirement age, and 20‑30 cases each month are referred to the regional hospital due to the lack of specialists. The Ministry of Health has not responded to inquiries about measures to address the vacancies. The shortage strains services during the summer season, when an influx of older tourists increases demand for emergency and outpatient care.