"Healthcare in the home, without dedicated funding" - Experts: Service funding is affordable, prioritization is lacking
Thousands of chronically ill patients, the elderly and people with mobility disabilities depend on Home Health Care every day. However, according to the organization Together for Life, this vital service continues to operate without a dedicated funding line, putting its sustainability at risk.
"In conditions where Albania is facing a progressive aging of the population, an increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases and a growing demand for long-term care, financing Home Health Care becomes a necessity for a cost-effective health system that better responds to patients' needs.
The lack of dedicated funding has direct consequences on service delivery. Currently, nurses and health centers face difficulties in covering the costs of transportation, equipment and materials necessary to provide care in the home. In the absence of financial support, the burden of costs is transferred to families and patients, jeopardizing equal access to health care, especially for the most vulnerable groups”, says Alma Lahe.
Experts emphasize that the costs of providing such a service are entirely affordable for the State Budget.
"The lack of funding for Home Health Care is not related to the financial inability of the state, but to the lack of prioritization of this vital service in public health policies. The cost necessary to fully guarantee the service at the national level during the first year is estimated at around 970.8 million lek. In subsequent years, the financial needs are significantly reduced and are several times lower.
"From the continuous monitoring of the budget of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, it is concluded that this is a completely affordable cost for the public health system. However, its realization requires a review of the policies to date. Instead of the primary care budget continuing to remain under pressure, it is imperative that it be strengthened and treated as the main link of the health system ," Lahe further stated.
The organization requests that funding for Home Health Care be guaranteed in the 2027-2029 medium-term budget.
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