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Albania expands cancer care infrastructure

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-05 17:03 UTC → 2026-08-29 12:03 UTC · added removed

In late July 2026, the Albanian government approved the creation of the country’s first National Cancer Institute, modeled on a European centre in Milan. The institute will combine clinical oncology services—surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy—with education, research, and a clinical‑trial unit, and will coordinate a national network of chemotherapy points, increasing them from eight to nine. points. At the same time, the cabinet removed the upper‑age limit for free basic health check‑ups, extending free screenings to all citizens aged 35 and over, with plans to further extend coverage to those over 70. Funding is to come from the state budget, supplemented by research funds and potential EU grants. A few days later, on On 4 August 2026, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the operational launch of nine new regional chemotherapy units across Albania. The first of these opened at units, starting with the Regional Hospital in Elbasan, which has been delivering daily chemotherapy since 2017 and treated 156 patients in the first half of 2026. The Elbasan. This rollout aims to bring specialized cancer treatment closer to patients, improve service quality, patients and reduce pressure on the central Oncology Hospital, Hospital. By late August 2026, the scope of the decentralization initiative expanded, with plans to replicate establish chemotherapy centers in 12 regional hospitals. Health Minister Evis Sala and National Institute of Oncology Director Helidon Nina visited the model nationwide. redeveloped chemotherapy day center at Vlora Regional Hospital, noting that investments are complete in Vlora, Korça, and QSUT, with ongoing work in Shkodër, Lezhë, and Fier. In collaboration with the Mane Foundation, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aims to requalify several centers by 2027. To support this network, authorities have approved 38 unified treatment protocols and established a new multidisciplinary Breast Unit.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-29 12:03 UTC Albania expands cancer care infrastructure
  2. 2026-08-05 17:03 UTC Albania expands cancer care infrastructure

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