US aid brings virtual health care to Albanian hospitals

TIRANA, Jan. 9 – International institutions helped the Albanian medical system to create a network of the hospitals in other areas to the central one in Tirana and also with the global medical community, or as it is known now “telemedicine.” Designated areas at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center and three other major regional hospitals throughout the country are being renovated to house new telemedicine and e-health centers. The one-million dollar project is funded by the U.S. European Command and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District. Once the renovations are complete, the Albanian hospitals will be linked through a virtual network enabling high-quality, uniform health care for all citizens. Currently, five of the 12 major regional hospitals in Albania are connected via a hub-and-spoke information technology system to the central e-health center in Tirana. By March of this year, three additional hospitals will have the infrastructure in place to connect to the network. The telemedicine network will enable health care professionals to conduct e-learning, consultations and even diagnose patients from a distance. Regional doctors and nurses will soon have the medical expertise of specialists in Tirana at their fingertips and on their computer screens. Eventually, all major Albanian hospitals will connect to the hub in Tirana, and by extension, link to medical professionals throughout the U.S. and Europe. The best medical advice in the country, region and world will soon be available to Albanian patients. Difficult medical cases will be tele-consulted through the virtual network. The completion of this project will reduce transfer from original hospitals to Tirana or hospitals abroad for treatment. The renovation work currently taking place is part of a larger project being coordinated with USAID and the Albanian Ministry of Health. In each hospital, an e-health examining room, training room, server and technology room and an administrative office are being built. The renovations provide new walls, windows, flooring, and upgraded heating, electrical and plumbing systems and roof replacements to house the new facilities. Once the renovations are finished, USAID will install equipment and provide training for hospital personnel, and the Albanian Health Ministry will manage the telemedicine program.