Albania expands dental services for elderly amid pension reform discussions

As pensioners and seniors have suddenly found themselves at the center of Albania’s political debate, with ongoing discussions about pension reforms, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced an expansion of dental care services for the elderly at the University Dental Clinic. Minister of Health Albana Koçiu stated that starting from November, the first Saturday of each month, the clinic will provide special services to accommodate elderly patients who need to be accompanied by a family member.

Why is this important: The initiative is one of a number of measures aimed at improving the quality of life for Albania’s aging population. The move comes alongside other efforts to improve pension schemes. This constitutes the real challenge for Albania’s government especially in the context of an ageing and declining population. However, it is clear that the issue must be addressed because for many pensioners, current pensions are so low that, without family support, they would live below the poverty line.

Context: During a conversation with seniors who benefit from free services at the clinic, Minister Koçiu shared that these new service days aim to make dental care more accessible, especially for those who cannot visit the clinic on their own. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the government to improve healthcare and social services for the elderly, including therapeutic services and dental prosthetics provided at residential and day centers for seniors. The government’s new plan also includes a dignified enhancement of the pension scheme, emphasizing the state’s obligation to provide comprehensive healthcare through a reimbursement scheme that covers dental care.

Additional services announced: The University Dental Clinic, which offers free services to various needy groups including the elderly, operates eight main service units including Oral Surgery, Orthopedics, Orthodontics, Therapy, Pedodontics, Prophylaxis, Periodontology, and Mucosal Diseases. In the last nine months, the clinic has served 9,952 patients, with 2,100 elderly receiving prosthetic services and 3,000 seniors undergoing surgical procedures.