The specialized clinic for interstitial lung diseases in Tirana, otherwise known as the Dispensary, has been totally transformed into a modern clinic meeting highest European standards.

For over two decades, the country’s only clinic of its sort has been providing specialized care for around 800 000 people, but it had seen no improvements and rehabilitation projects and failed to deliver the basic healthcare services.

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the newly-renovated clinic under an infrastructure improvement project through a state budget funding of 56 million lek and it now provides services and modern conditions for around 55 000 patients.

The new facilities have a profound impact on citizens, who say the change is incredible. “This is a wonderful change. It couldn’t be better,” a citizen said.

The same opinion is shared by the Albanian citizens living and working abroad. “I got sick while flying from Italy and I immediately came here to receive the recommendation. I was surprised at seeing these facilities. I can say it is better than in Italy. An unprecedented change has taken place. It is worth mentioning the fact that the doctors helped me a lot and I now feel much better,” she said.

But the best comparisons can be drawn by patients who have received care in this clinic. “Previously it was a scandalous place. I am really surprised at what I am seeing today. The clinic was poorly equipped and facilities were ruined,” a patient said.

The Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu said that doctors and the healthcare personnel in this clinic used to work under very difficult conditions. “No investment had been ever implemented in the Dispensary over the past 30 years and the healthcare personnel had to cope with bad working conditions. The project took six to seven months to complete and it included investment in infrastructure and bio-medical equipment,” she said.

For the doctors themselves, the transformation is unmatchable. “I’ve been working here for 28 years. The transformation has really been like night and day. Previously we lacked even water to wash our hands. Now the clinic is provided running water and electricity supply 24 hours a day,” the doctor said.

With the investments in new laboratory equipment, the range of medical tests being carried out in this clinic has increased to 16 types of clinical, biochemical, bacteriological and specific lung disease tests, guaranteeing full laboratory service to patients. “Only 3 medical tests were carried out in the clinic’s lab previously compared to 16 types of tests conducted now. Extending the range of medical tests will serve to reduce the flux of patients to specialty health centers in Tirana,” Minister Manastirliu explained.

Digital equipment, including digital X-ray imaging and digital spirometers have been installed for the first time in this specialty health center, significantly improving service quality and reducing patient waiting times for specialized care and hospital treatment.

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that investment in the country’s healthcare system is one his government top priorities. “We have done as much as we could and not as much as we want. We would have done a lot more if we could. Healthcare system requires major investments and it takes a lot of patience. Thank you very much for your patience.”