Competition Authority in Albania Investigates American Hospital for Alleged Abuse of Dominant Market Position

 The Competition Authority of Albania has launched a preliminary investigation into the so-called "American Hospital" in Albania, owned by businessman Klodian Allajbeu, and International Hospital SHA. The investigation stems from concerns that these companies hold a dominant position in the hospital services market and have potentially engaged in anti-competitive practices.  

The Competition Authority's decision to investigate follows a monitoring report on the hospital services market, conducted under a resolution from the Albanian Parliament. The report found that American Hospital and International Hospital SHA (which has since merged into American Hospital) appear to hold a dominant market position, as defined by Article 8 of Law No. 9121/2003, local media say.  

Furthermore, preliminary data suggests that the companies may have abused this dominant position by setting unfair purchase or sale prices for certain exclusive services, potentially violating Article 9 of the same law.  

"The Competition Commission, in its meeting on April 9, 2025, reviewed the monitoring report on the hospital services market," the authority stated in a press release. "During the monitoring procedure, the dominant position of American Hospital SHA and International Hospital SHA was established. Also, from preliminary data, it was found that in relation to certain specific and exclusive services, these companies may be subject to evaluation under Article 9 of Law No. 9121/2003."  

As a result, the Competition Commission has issued Decision No. 1173, dated April 9, 2025, to initiate a preliminary investigation into American Hospital SHA and International Hospital SHA. The investigation will focus on the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024.