European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN ALBANIA – TOWARDS FULL DIGITALIZATION

Erion Dasho*, Loreta Kuneshka and Ervin Toçi

ABSTRACT

Background: The primary health care (PHC) in Albania is under reforms and towards full digitalization. However, much needs to be done in this direction. Aim: This study aimed to provide an overview of the health information technology being implemented in the PHC system in Albania. Methods: We reviewed the documents of Compulsory Healthcare Insurance Fund (CHIF) in Albania which describe the digital platforms and structures of health information technology that have been implemented in PHC system in Albania. The information has been summarized. Results: There are numerous digital platforms in operation in the PHC system in Albania, including the medical visit form system, electronic prescription, electronic register of residents, e-Drugs, electronic referral system (e-Referral), the pharmaceutical warehouse system, electronic signature, and e-Pharmacy. These developments are in line with the National Health Strategy 2021-2030 and the philosophy of the Albanian Government for going “all-digital”. Despite the progress, there is no cost-effectiveness analysis of various digital platforms operating in the PHC system in Albania. Conclusion: The digitalization of PHC services in Albania is in line with the digitalization philosophy of the Albanian Government. As such it is likely to continue to expand and improve. However, such decisions need to be based on sound cost-effectiveness analysis.

Keywords: Albania, digitalization, health information technology, primary health care.