Starting August 1, new medical prescriptions across the entire public and private healthcare system. Mandatory diagnosis and 6-month medication supply for chronic patients

From August 1, 2025, a new medical prescription system will be implemented throughout Albania’s public and private healthcare systems. Mandatory diagnosis and 6-month medication for chronic patients.

Starting August 1, 2025, Albania will implement a new medical prescription format across the entire public and private healthcare system. The main changes require that every prescription must include a diagnosis. Additionally, it will no longer be allowed to list the brand name of a medication unless the generic (medical) name of the product is also specified, for example, “ibuprofen” instead of a brand name.

Another new measure that greatly benefits chronic patients is the issuance of prescriptions valid for six months, so they no longer have to endure long waits each month at clinics and hospitals.

These changes were announced today by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, following her visit to two pharmacies in Tirana.

She stated that from August 1, the new standardized prescription format will come into effect across the entire healthcare system, both public and private.

According to Koçiu, this new prescription model will facilitate the work of pharmacists, provide greater security for citizens, and improve the monitoring of treatments based on doctors’ recommendations.

“The new medical prescription, alongside the basic required information, necessarily includes the diagnosis. This helps you be clearer about the medications you are giving to the patient. It is an additional guarantee that the patient receives the correct medicines from qualified healthcare professionals,” Koçiu emphasized.

The Minister also said that with the new format, doctors will have the option to issue prescriptions valid for up to six months in cases where patients need long-term treatment. Moreover, with the required content and data for completion, patient safety in medication intake is further enhanced.

The new prescription format also includes other important technical elements such as listing the generic name of the drug, the type of prescription (for patients with acute or chronic diseases), as well as the pharmacist’s name and stamp.

It remains to be seen how effectively this new prescription system will be implemented.

“KORÇA BOOM”