Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu, Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako visited the newly reconstructed health centre in Ishëm. The Ishëm health centre was severely damaged by the 26.11 earthquake and was built from beginning after the demolition of the previous old building.
During the visit Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu acknowledged the prompt support provided by the Swiss government. “This is a model health center”, added Manastirliu. “I am very satisfied with the high standards of the facilities where the community gets better healthcare services.”
Swiss Ambassador Adrian Maître stated that the Swiss support in health in Albania is growing. Switzerland is helping Albania to establish new models of care like home based care to address the needs of the most vulnerable.
Following the devastating earthquake of 26 November 2019, Switzerland provided a swift response to Albania’s call and pledged over 9 million Euro for specific support actions.
According to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Report, 22 primary health centres were affected by the earthquake of which 19 partially damaged and 3 fully destroyed. Over 45,000 people remained without or with limited primary health care services.
The Swiss project ‘Health for All’ (HAP), supported the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to build from scratch two destroyed facilities in the most affected areas: a health centre in Ishëm (Municipality of Durrës) and a second one in Borizanë (Municipality of Krujë). The investment of about 384,000 CHF includes planning and design, civil works, furnishing and purchase of medical equipment’s. 14 health professionals work in both facilities (3 doctors and 11 nurses), serving to a community of 12,000 people.
"Both patients and health professionals are more than happy and grateful to the Swiss people", – said Dr. Mimoza Balani, Director health center Borizanë. "Working in such improved conditions is a motivation for all of us to excel and achieve the best of ourselves."
A third primary healthcare, Zall Mner HC (Kamza municipality) also severely damaged from the earthquake, will be constructed later in the year with Swiss support.
