The new Polyclinic of Specialties in Shkodër, offering an expanded range of medical services, is another investment from the state budget for healthcare, contributing to the city’s transformation through major projects that have a direct impact on the lives of its citizens.
With renovated spaces, modern conditions, and equipped with new diagnostic tools for around 200,000 residents, the 120 million lek investment covers an area of 1300 m², providing 22 specialties, compared to the 14 available previously.
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Shkodër today, where, alongside the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, and the Mayor of Shkodër, Benet Beci, he toured the new facilities and met with doctors and management staff at the Polyclinic.
Minister Albana Koçiu stated that the new Polyclinic of Specialties was built entirely from the ground up, not just with new equipment but also with fully renovated infrastructure.
“This is the Polyclinic of Specialties in Shkodër, built entirely from scratch, not just with new equipment but also with fully rehabilitated infrastructure, which now expands the cabinets and services. The number of services has increased from 14 to 22. The DEXA machine, which assesses bone density, is especially important for women. We also have the mammography unit, a diagnostic tool that was previously unavailable at the Shkodër polyclinic and was only offered at the hospital. One of our key policies is early breast cancer detection for women. This campaign, which typically takes place in October, has now become routine. We have decided to provide free mammography screenings, without the referral system, in every district of the country, every month. In January, this will be available in Shkodër, and diagnoses will be directly referred without going through the referral system,” explained Minister of Health Koçiu, highlighting the new equipment and innovations available at the polyclinic.
Among other things, Minister Koçiu stated that not only the Polyclinic but also the Shkodër Hospital will receive additional attention in the 2025 budget. “What should be emphasized is that, with the 2025 budget, not only the polyclinic but also the Shkodër Hospital will receive increased focus. We will be rehabilitating and reconstructing not just the Maternity Ward in Shkodër, but also several other services such as Ophthalmology and Pneumology within the hospital. This will improve and enhance not only working conditions but also motivate the staff and ensure quality services for citizens,” she explained.
One of the doctors on the staff expressed gratitude, saying, “We are very thankful for the investment and the new multifunctional equipment. All ultrasounds are now available in enclosed rooms for outpatient services. There’s no longer any need to go to the hospital.”
“The reconstruction and the opening of many new cabinets were much needed, as our staff has grown significantly with the new additions,” says an endocrinologist.
Meanwhile, the Polyclinic now offers services for the first time, including physiotherapy, mental health services, toxicology, and more. “Another innovation is the expansion of services with the new neurosurgeon, the first in 30 years, as well as the addition of maxillofacial surgery. The range of services has grown from 14 to 22. Additionally, other services have been strengthened, with two doctors assigned to each specialty, ensuring that citizens receive proper care and we avoid long waiting times,” the doctors added.
