Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Albanians spend about 6% of GDP on healthcare, split almost evenly between public and private services. The Albanian Ministry of Health estimates that public healthcare spending in 2016 reached 44 bn leke (362 M EUR). Experts argue that healthcare spending in Albania is even higher (estimated at approximately 725 M EUR) considering the sizable informal economy.

The Albanian government is looking to digitalize medical records of all patients, implement e-prescriptions throughout the country, track and trace e-prescriptions, establish a National Center for healthcare information; and develop, pilot, and implement e-visits, e-examinations, and e-referrals.

furthermore it is expected to exspand public-private partnerships (PPPs) further in a number of areas to use public funding more efficiently.

Albania imports all of its medical equipment and devices, and around 91% of drugs. Domestic drug manufacturing counts for almost 9% of market share.