TIRANA, Jan.18 – Albania continues to face a shortage of specialized medical personnel in remote areas, despite a financial incentive offered by the Albanian government to specialized doctors willing to work at the country’s regional hospitals.
Last July, the government approved a monthly bonus of 100,000 Lek (Eur 720) on top of their regular pay for doctors willing to fill vacant positions at regional hospitals, but so far only a handful have chosen to leave Tirana to work in remote locations. Since a doctor in Albania is paid about Euro 350 a month on average, the Albanian government was hopeful that a significantly higher cash bonus would help fill vacant quotas at regional hospitals.
It is reported that only seven doctors have inked their contracts, whereas another four requests have been filed. However, the figure is still a far cry from the country’s current needs.
Through this initiative, the Albanian government was hoping to employ about 200 specialized doctors at regional hospitals, mainly in remote areas, but so far the move appears to not have given its desired effect.
