The National Basic Medical Check-Up Program is being expanded starting in September, allowing all citizens over the age of 35 to receive the service free of charge, with no upper age limit. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that the expansion of the program aims to increase access to regular health screenings and strengthen prevention by identifying risk factors and health problems as early as possible. To benefit from this service, citizens should contact t

High temperatures, unusual for the autumn period, are being accompanied by the spread of viral infections, which doctors say are showing more severe symptoms this year. High fever has been one of the main symptoms of this viral infection, said doctor P. Male. Cases are also presenting with bone pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Doctors are also reporting cases of gastroenteritis, while in some patients the viral infections have also affected the lungs, requiring treatment with an

The fund for reimbursable medicines is expected to increase by 28% in 2027. The fund is projected to reach 17.28 billion lekë, up from 13.5 billion lekë in 2026. According to data from the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Budget Program, the reimbursable medicines list is expected to expand by 20 drugs, from 1,356 to 1,376 medicines. Meanwhile, by 2029, the list is projected to include 1,406 medicines. The scheme is also expected to continue supporting around 400,000 patients per year d

Following the confirmation of the first case of West Nile fever in Albania, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) has launched an epidemiological investigation in the Korçë region. A team of IPH specialists from Tirana has arrived in the field to conduct an entomological investigation and screening in the affected area, with the aim of identifying the presence of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus and taking the necessary control measures. The confirmed case involves a 7

Epidemiologist Adela Vasili from the Institute of Public Health has provided the latest details regarding the case of West Nile virus infection. “We have no other confirmed or suspected cases of West Nile fever. West Nile fever is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the virus, which acquire it from infected birds or horses,” she said. The first case of West Nile fever in Albania has been confirmed. The patient is a 72-year-old man from Korçë, who is currently isolate

The day chemotherapy unit at Korçë Regional Hospital has been renovated and equipped with modern standards, allowing around 300 patients from the county to receive treatment closer to home. Health Minister Evis Sala said the aim is to decentralize oncology services so that patients no longer need to travel to Tirana for every treatment. “We cannot speak of a quality healthcare system if a cancer patient has to travel hundreds of kilometers to receive the treatment they need.

The High State Audit has found serious problems in the verification of medicines included in the reimbursement list. According to an audit report referring to the follow-up and implementation of recommendations issued by the High State Audit during the second half of 2024, out of 458 medicines checked for 2023, 43 did not have marketing authorization and were not listed in the medicines register for that year. In another verification, the High State Audit also found 46 medici

An international team of researchers has developed a new protein-based material that could help restore the structure and strength of damaged tooth enamel, opening up a potential new approach to treating dental erosion and tooth sensitivity, according to Nature Communications. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with scientists from other institutions across Europe and the United States. The research w

The Director of Albania's National Emergency Service, Dr. Skënder Brataj, has called on doctors and healthcare professionals to become more active on social media in order to combat misinformation and dangerous advice circulating online. According to Brataj, social media has become a major source of information for the public, but it is also being used by people without the proper qualifications to spread myths and false health information. He stressed that doctors should not

A new study has shown that rubbing your eyes may provide a feeling of relief, but at the same time increases the risk of corneal damage and infections, according to “Science”. Although rubbing the eyes often seems harmless, it can have consequences for the delicate structure of the eye, especially the cornea – the transparent layer at the front of the eye. This action is usually triggered by allergies, dry eyes, fatigue, or irritation. For a moment, it may bring relief becaus

Summer viruses, children aged 1–4 most exposed / Lama: Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, seek medical check-ups in time. Cases of viral infections among children continue to appear even during the summer season. High temperatures and frequent changes in environment contribute to the increase of seasonal infections, while pediatricians are urging parents to be cautious and not ignore the first signs. Fever, diarrhea, and vomiting are among the most common symptoms affecting c

The oncology ward of the Korçë hospital has now been fully equipped with all the necessary medical equipment, thanks to a donation from the United States of America. An initiative that began around two years ago by the “Albanian Fighting Cancer” foundation, bringing together philanthropists, artists, doctors, and many others, was finalized with a special event in the southeastern city. This intervention means that patients fighting this difficult disease can now receive treat

High summer temperatures can cause various health conditions, and heat stroke is one of them. Doctors at the Polyvalent Emergency Service at QSUT say that so far they have not had any cases, but such cases have occurred every summer. Currently, with the number of daily emergency cases exceeding 400, the majority of patients are people with chronic illnesses. Public Health experts urge the entire population to take precautions, but they emphasize that extra care should be take

“The ads promising quick solutions to health problems are flooding social media, attracting hundreds of consumers every day. The most vulnerable to these scam schemes are the elderly, who often lack the necessary information to distinguish a safe product from a fake advertisement.” This was the topic discussed on the show “Shije Shtëpie” this Monday, June 15. Pharmacist Diana Toma explained that Albanian legislation clearly prohibits the online sale of medicines, while many o

Myocardial infarction is no longer sparing young people. Cardiologists say that in recent years, cases have been increasingly observed even among people under the age of 40, and the causes are numerous. “There are a number of risk factors related both to lifestyle and eating habits. These are directly linked to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high blood fat levels, along with stress and other psychological factors that can contribute to the early onset of myoca

When the name Yllson Ibrahimllari is mentioned, many citizens remember not only the professional orthopedic surgeon, but also the simple man, ready to listen and help anyone in need. Originally from the Maliq area, Ibrahimllari graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Tirana, where he later completed his specialization in Orthopedics. Today he works as an orthopedic surgeon in one of the largest private hospitals in Tirana, earning the respect of colleagues and the trust of

A team of doctors at NYU Langone Health has performed the world’s first lung transplant from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient. The procedure is considered a historic breakthrough, as it expands transplant options for people living with HIV by increasing the pool of potential donors who were previously not considered eligible. “This is a defining moment for the HIV community and represents real progress toward equity in organ transplantation,” said Sapna Meht

A sad news has touched the medical community and thousands of Albanian families. The well-known neonatologist Edi Tushe has passed away, one of the most respected figures of Albanian medicine and one of the pioneers of the country’s neonatology service. For decades, Dr. Tushe stood by generations of Albanian children and parents, becoming a beloved and trusted name in newborn care. Through his professionalism, dedication, and humanity, he earned the respect of colleagues and

Chinese surgeons have performed the world’s first transplant of a liver and two kidneys from a genetically modified pig into a human recipient, marking a major milestone in the field of xenotransplantation. The procedure was carried out at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University on a brain-dead patient and was led by Professor Dou Kefeng, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to reports, the transplanted organs functioned for around five d

Ozempic: Scientists raise alarm over its possible impact on the brain Ozempic has become one of the most widely used drugs in the world in recent years, mainly for weight loss and diabetes control. But while millions of people use it to reduce appetite and excess weight, scientists are discovering that its effects may go far beyond the stomach and metabolism, directly affecting the brain as well. One of the studies that has drawn attention is led by Alison Shapiro, an assista