World BANK offers 19 million euro to invest in health system

TIRANA, 12 March 2009 – World Bank has offered 19 million euro to Ministry of Health to invest in the health system. The fund should finance the buying of 1500 new ambulances, the furnishing of 6 health centers, and the 7 major hospitals in the country are will have the possibility to eliminate their medical waste according to European standards. The WB fund will also make possible the testing of the Albania women for breast cancer.
“This financing from World Banks is the biggest of its kind made to the Institute of Health Insurance (ISKSH). About 2 million euro will be invested in the purchase of 1500 ambulances and medical instruments in 6 health centers all over Albania,” Saimir Kadiu said, director of budget distribution in the Ministry of Health.
According to him, these projects are an important step in the development of the health system.
“1.5 million euro will be invested in mammography in order to test all Albanian women and fight cancer,” Kadiu said.
A huge problem in Albania remains medical waste with no actual investments to help their reprocessing according to standards. However, another 1.5 million euro from the Bank’s fund will be used to address this issue.
3.5 million euro will finance the improvement of the information system in ISKSH.
According to Kadiu, the WB fund will be active starting in April.