"Our task is clear: to build a healthcare system where Albanian doctors, researchers and students lead innovation here in our country; where our hospitals become centers of excellence; and where our patients receive care equal to the highest international standards," declared Minister of Health, Evis Sala, today at the Second International Congress of Medical Sciences.
Statements that sound like a dream journey towards a healthcare system of the future that we seem to have very close at hand... in speeches.
Because while there is talk of hospitals that will lead innovation and international standards, the daily reality of the Albanian healthcare system continues to be a little more "mundane": basic shortages, delays, long lines, and patients testing their patience in waiting lines.
Of course, vision is important. But before we get to artificial intelligence in hospitals and centers of excellence, perhaps the first step remains a little more modest, medicines that are not lacking in hospitals, tests available at all times, improved infrastructure, and corridors that do not hold long lines of patients.
Until then, it will probably take many public appearances by the minister with statements about international standards, and many new eyewear collections that Ms. Sala presents to us at her conferences.
