The presentation of the findings from the monitoring that the “Together for life” association has done to the National Health Strategy has brought together experts, representatives of international and local organizations, as well as leaders of health institutions.

“What stands out from the beginning and the biggest problem is the underfunding of health. At the level of 18% less than what is foreseen in the strategy itself, this reflects an approach to poor quality services. A low budget means higher out-of-pocket costs for patients and according to a recent WHO report, Albania has the highest level of out-of-pocket payments at 59.7%. While the strategy itself predicts that this level will decrease to 40% by 2025, which is impossible”, -Alma Lahe TFL.

The Deputy Minister of Health Mira Rakacolli said that the report has inaccuracies as only a part of the budget has been seen, while she clarified that the insurance budget and a part from the budget of the Ministry of Defense due to the trauma hospital are attached to it.

“The primary budget in 2020 was 7 billion and some of the contributions were 12 billion, while in 2024 the budget was 5 billion but the contributions were 20 billion so not only has it not decreased, but it has increased by 27%, such details are sensitive in the document”, said Mira Rakacolli, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection.

According to the report drawn up by the “Together for Life” association, Albania is the last country in the region in terms of spending on health and the first in terms of out-of-pocket payments, so they have recommended an increase in the health budget and good administration of income.