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| Graphic where a doctor places a stathoscope over a patient's right lung |
Official data suggest that while Albania's population is declining, the burden of disease is rising rapidly, Monitor reports.
The Institute of Public Health, which processes data on infection trends, reported a 15-20% increase in respiratory infections in the population during the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, other symptoms accompanying viral infections were also higher than last year.
This year, the healthcare sector has faced its highest workload since the pandemic due to a virus with prolonged symptoms requiring extensive treatment.
Regional Impact of Respiratory Infections
Detailed data reveal that the regions with the highest incidence of infections are those with an older population. According to the chart below, Gjirokastra had the highest incidence of respiratory infections per 10,000 inhabitants in the last week of May 2023, followed by Dibra, Hasi, Vlora, and Tropoja.
Post-Pandemic Health Challenges
Post-Covid-19, the burden of disease in the population has increased, with chronic illnesses rising rapidly due to the aging population. The Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (FSDKSH) reported that in 2023, chronic diseases and the number of diagnoses per patient increased the costs of drug reimbursement.
According to the monitoring report by the Ministry of Health, the natural increase in chronic diseases was about 6% in 2023 compared to 2022. This increase was influenced by new cases and changes in treatment regimens.
Financial Impact on Health Sector
Official data from FSDKSH indicate that chronic diseases increased drug reimbursement expenses by 227.7 million ALL, approximately 6% more than the previous year. The total amount of reimbursement payments included settlements of obligations from the previous year. Although the budget plan for payments was respected in 2023, the accepted indicators for the reimbursement of drugs and devices reached a value of 12.1 billion ALL, or 100.5% of the planned amount, exceeding the plan by about 58 million ALL.
At the end of the year, around 796 million ALL remained unpaid from the accepted indicators for the reimbursement of drugs and devices. Compared to the previous year, end-of-year obligations increased by 5.8%, or by 673 million ALL, according to FSDKSH.
The rapid increase in chronic illnesses, driven by an aging population, underscores the need for strengthened healthcare strategies and resource allocation to manage the growing health burden in Albania.