The Ministry of Health's propaganda has been diligently spreading the news these days that Minister Evis Sala has been selected as one of the 10 most influential women in the world for oncology. But while in official letters and announcements she poses as a leader of global change, the reality on the ground reveals how much cardboard this country is: oncology in Albania has deteriorated so badly that the ministry survives and boasts thanks to alms and donations from private businessmen.
Today, the Ministry of Health issued a pompous announcement claiming that oncology services in the districts are being strengthened, opening chemotherapy centers and providing dignified conditions. Minister Evis Sala even went further with moralizing lectures for the medical staff:
“We, as doctors and healthcare professionals, should not leave any question unanswered. We should have the patience to explain to patients all the information they need.”
But what does the minister of the "10 most powerful women" forget to say? She forgets to point out that the chairs where patients sit to receive treatment were not purchased by the Albanian state with citizens' taxes, but were donated by businessman Samir Mane.
The same businessman who previously donated chairs for the Oncology Department at the University Hospital of Tirana, announced today on his social network Instagram that he had also completed the equipment for the Vlora hospital. The post shared by Samir Manes' official service reads:
"Following its work in Tirana, @manefoundation has renovated and equipped the Chemotherapy and Palliative Care Unit at Vlora Regional Hospital. This is part of Mane Foundation's ongoing commitment to upgrading chemotherapy units nationwide, creating more comfortable conditions for patients and their families."
(Following its work in Tirana, the Mane Foundation has reconstructed and equipped the Chemotherapy and Palliative Care Unit at the Vlora Regional Hospital. This is part of the Mane Foundation's ongoing commitment to modernize chemotherapy units across the country, creating more comfortable conditions for patients and their families).
While the Ministry of Health sells the expansion of the oncology network as a "national reform and strategy," the truth is that public hospitals are surviving on louvers donated by private individuals.
It is truly ironic that a minister who is advertised in headlines as the "world's oncology elite" is demoted by cutting the ribbons of donated chairs. This clearly shows that the Albanian healthcare system does not need international headlines and facades, but a state that does not wait for the next handout from businessmen to offer patients minimal treatment conditions.
