Important change: Free health check-ups for everyone over the age of 35

Citizens over the age of 35 are expected to benefit from free basic health check-ups starting in September, with no upper age restriction. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has proposed to the Council of Ministers the removal of the current age limit for the national check-up program.

Until now, this service was provided free of charge only to people aged 35–70. With the proposed change, every citizen over the age of 35, regardless of their age, will have the right to receive a free basic health examination.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Albana Sala, said that the aim of this initiative is to guarantee equal access to preventive healthcare services for all citizens.

“Every citizen over 35, regardless of age, will be able to undergo a free check-up. This means that citizens aged 70, 80, or even 90 will have the same opportunity to receive preventive health examinations, because healthcare has no age limit,” the minister stated.

During a visit to Pogradec, where she held a meeting with elderly citizens at the daily social center, the minister also presented other initiatives supporting this age group. According to her, work is underway to establish, for the first time, a geriatric service at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center in Tirana, as well as to create a dedicated counselling line for elderly people.

If approved by the Council of Ministers, the change will enter into force in September, significantly expanding the number of beneficiaries of the national basic health check-up program.

“KORÇA BOOM”