The haemodialysis service network is being extended step by step throughout the country. This vital service has been provided for the first time to patients in the Regional Hospital of Lezhe.
42 patients with renal failure, who were forced to travel together with their family members from Shkoder to Tirana 3 times a week to have haemodialysis, have put an end to their physical and psychological ordeal since October 1, and also to the sky-high costs they had to pay because this service is now provided in optimal conditions and with contemporary standards at the new Centre for haemodialysis at the regional hospital of Lezhe.
The new haemodialysis centre, the third of its kind in the country after those of Vlora and Shkodra, is a 500 thousand dollar investment of the public-private partnership.
Twelve treatment stations have been installed in this centre, of which two in special rooms for patients with hepatitis C and HIV, which provide treatment for patients in 2 shifts only. In the future, additional machines and stations for haemodialysis may increase proportionally to the needs of patients. The technology installed along with aspiration and air conditioning systems is of the most modern standards and parameters for performing haemodialysis. The centre has been equipped with internal laboratory, which enables immediate laboratory testing based on approved haemodialysis protocol. Likewise, to ensure the treatment of patients without any interruption the centre has been equipped with a power generator and UPS.
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Health Minister Ilir Beqaj visited today the centre and met with doctors and some patients who were receiving this service.
Patients expressed their satisfaction with the contemporary conditions and the service provided by the medical staff. Some of them who have been treated in hospitals abroad reported that they found no difference with the service provided in European hospitals. “I’ve been doing haemodialysis for 6 years. I started in Italy, and then to “Mother Teresa”. Travelling was tiresome, especially in the summer, and I suffered from low blood pressure due to the heat. This is a very good service”, one of the patients said.
“I can’t compare it to Italy either. I’ve received the haemodialysis there, but neither the equipment nor the service here can be compared to that one”, another patients who has been receiving this treatment for three years said.
Another great relief for these patients has been the travel expenses cutting and the reduction of the waiting time, which in many cases was exhausting given their health conditions. “We don’t have to travel any longer back and forth to Tirana 3 times a week. I used to be back home at 10-11 pm, and one member of my family would always travel with me. Not to mention how much it cost us. This is fantastic. The service, the equipment, the conditions, everything is sterile, everything is good. I do really congratulate you for keeping your promise”, one of the patients said.
Some members of the medical staff share the same opinion, and they say they’re satisfied with the working conditions. “Conditions are optimal both for us and for patients. Personally, I’m happy to work here”, one of the nurses said.
Health Minister Ilir Beqaj explained that this new centre will be followed by other centres in Korca and Elbasan, thus increasing the capacity to host other patients. “This is the new haemodialysis service provided in the Regional Hospital of Lezhe. It didn’t exist before here in Lezhe. This is the third centre opened after those of Shkoder and Vlora, and we will continue with Korce and Elbasan. I believe that by the end of November this service will reach out some 48 patients. These patients used to have this service in Shkodra or in Tirana, travelling back and forth 3 times a week, usually accompanied by their families”.
Minister Beqaj also said that patients who do haemodialysis will have some facilities in terms of the examinations at the nephrologists, and in receiving medicines because they won’t wait in long lines for medical prescription.
