Albanian health inspectorate flags hazardous hospital waste stored in toilets and corridors

A 2025 audit by the Albanian State Health Inspectorate uncovered widespread mishandling of hazardous hospital waste in public and private health facilities. Inspectors reported that medical waste was being accumulated in unsuitable spaces such as corridors and patient toilets, often alongside municipal waste and cleaning supplies. The report, based on 4,993 inspections, highlighted deficiencies in basic hygiene infrastructure, including lack of running water, inadequate ventilation, and insufficient protective equipment for staff. It also noted gaps in staff training, waste segregation, labeling, and documentation, as well as missing internal protocols.

The findings led to 13 fines, 11 interim orders for urgent corrective actions, and 296 warnings. Authorities identified the need for improved waste transport and storage facilities and called for stricter compliance with hygiene standards across hospitals and dental clinics.