Albania Ranks Last in European Health Ranking

TIRANA, February 26

Albania ranks last among 35 European countries in the Euro Health Consumer Index 2018. The index is produced by the Health Consumer Powerhouse. It is the leading comparison for assessing the performance of national healthcare systems in 35 countries. The EHCI analyses national healthcare on 46 indicators, looking into areas such as Patient Rights and Information, Access to Care, Treatment Outcomes, Range and Reach of Services, Prevention and use of Pharmaceuticals.
Based on the report, does have very limited healthcare resources.
“The ministry explanation for this was that “Albanians are a hardy lot, who only go to the doctor when carried there”, i.e. underutilization of the healthcare system. This is an oversimplification; Albanians visit their primary care doctor more than twice as often as
Swedes (3.9 visits per year vs. 1.7)!” the report pointed out.

Compared to Albania, the other countries of the Balkan region made progress regarding better consumer health. Thus, Serbia is positioned 18th while Montenegro ranks 23rd.

“With the possible exception of Switzerland and The Netherlands, there are no countries, which excel across the entire range of EHCI indicators. The national scores seem to reflect more of “national and organizational cultures and attitudes”, rather than mirroring how large resources a country is spending on healthcare. The cultural streaks have in all likelihood deep historical roots. Turning a large corporation around takes a couple of years – turning a country around can take decades!” the report highlights

News Source/Photo Credit: EHCI 2018