Haemodialysis is provided in contemporary conditions in the Regional Hospital of Elbasan since April, thus ending the ordeal of patients with chronic renal failure. Prime Minister Edi Rama toured today this centre, accompanied by the Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu. Although the haemodialysis ward has been opened in this hospital since 2005, it was only a small room where the service was provided in 4 shifts, until past midnight, due to the lack of equipment. The service had degraded due to the lack of investments in infrastructure and equipment. But now, after the investments made, haemodialysis is offered in contemporary conditions and nearby the home of patients also in Vlora, Shkodra, Lezha, and it is expected this month also in Korca.
“We’ve managed to offer haemodialysis for 290 patients in 5 regional hospitals, in Shkoder, Lezhe, Vlore, Elbasan, and now we’re about to open the centre in Korce. Now this service is provided free of charge to 1050 patients in hospitals across the country, both public and non-public. With Korce we conclude the investment made by the public-private partnership. An investment of approximately $ 4 million is made in hospital infrastructure and medical equipment. This is a perfect model because it makes public hospitals grow. These investments are carried out in public hospitals because patients can receive service here, while there are other alternative hospitals provided within public structures. It’s the best investment we could have for the haemodialysis service within the public system”, Minister Manastirliu said with regard to the impact of this investment in patients.
“The important thing is that we could solve the problem regarding shifts. Patients received haemodialysis until midnight, not to mention the increased number. Now we’re operating in modern conditions. Patients are the main beneficiaries”, one of nephrologists who assists the patients said.
This investment has totally changed not only the conditions of this service, but also its very concept as it has transformed it into a multifunctional centre that provides to the patients many other medical and laboratory services. The centre is equipped with 27 machines produced by one of the leading brands in the world in the field of haemodialysis. The novelty of these machines is the use of filters dedicated to the specific needs of each patient.
“Thank you, you’ve done a miracle. Our conditions were really bad. I’ve been doing haemodialysis for 9 years. This is a terrific transformation”, one of the patients said.
Another one said that he used to have haemodialysis during the night shift, and it was really exhausting. “I’ve been doing haemodialysis for 10 years, since I was 30. Now it’s no different from abroad. I used to come here at 9 pm and leave at midnight. I had to walk home because I don’t own a vehicle. I walked slowly, and I would be at home at 2 am. Can you imagine that? Now conditions are much better.”
Another patient told how he had commuted for 8 years three times a week from Perrenjas to Tirana in order to have haemodialysis, and it was only during the 3rd or 4th shift. Now he doesn’t have to face anymore the whole ordeal.
“I’ve spent 3 years travelling from Librazhd to Tirana. Now, I can be here in half an hour. We’re extremely happy. The service is great. Everything”, another patient who receives the service at this centre said.
