Scandal at Oncological Hospital prompts Government proposal to reform Order of Medics
The scandal at the Oncological Hospital has spurred the Albanian government to amend the law governing the “Order of Medics,” the regulatory body overseeing medical practitioners in the country.
Why is this relevant
The proposed changes aim to overhaul the current healthcare sector reality in Albania, where a shortage of healthcare professionals has allowed doctors and nurses to engage in both public and private practice with minimal restrictions.
Under the proposed amendments, doctors will no longer be permitted to practice simultaneously in both public and private sectors without prior authorization from the hospital director and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Additionally, doctors who operate a private clinic or are employed in one will be barred from holding managerial positions in public hospitals or at the University of Medicine. Referring patients from the public sector to a private clinic by the responsible doctor will result in significant fines imposed on both the doctor and the private clinic.
Context
The scandal at the Oncological Hospital was uncovered following an 18-month investigation conducted by the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office, which included wiretaps and covert operations. According to the prosecution, suspects including doctors and nurses collaborated to defraud patients for personal financial gain. Allegations include doctors altering patient diagnoses and pressuring them to seek treatment at private clinics, charging high fees rather than providing free treatment available within the public system.
In response to the scandal, Prime Minister Rama met with doctors and nurses from the largest hospital center in the country, the University Hospital Centre Mother Teresa in Tirana. He condemned the actions of the oncologists as crimes against humanity and acknowledged the public outrage directed at healthcare professionals. The Prime Minister highlighted that despite significant investments made in healthcare over the past 11 years, such incidents where doctors accept bribes or neglect their duty to provide medical care compromise public trust.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of all healthcare providers. He called upon the justice system to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
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