A serious situation in the Oncology hospital

Motivated by the reports appeared in the media, a group of representatives of the AHC made a visit in the Oncology hospital with the purpose to look closely at the situation created there.  Service staff was contacted as well as patients.  That apparatus set in the hospital many years ago is now deficient.  This situation is likely to cause fatal consequences for a considerable number of patients, who need treatment with ultra-red rays.  Furthermore the treatment is a complex one with chemicals and medicines.  When treatment is not done in due time, this causes the aggravation of the patients' condition.  Indeed it is now reported that the condition of several patients is worsening.

It should be underlined that such an apparatus in full and regular functioning should afford the needs of a population up to 500000.  This is likely to worsen even more the situation, all the more that other patients are coming for treatment from Kosova and even Macedonia.

Such an inaccuracy and negligence are unjustified.  It is close to the crime against life.  It is contrary to the constitutional provision which reads: "life of the person is defended by law".  This constitutional principle requires that urgent measures should be taken to put an end to this situation and to ensure that treatment with ultra-red rays is functioning normally.

AHC takes the side of the patients and the staff to denounce the critical situation created in this important sector of health care service.

The problem is concerning not only the local organs, but the central government as well.  It is its duty to proceed with haste to acquire a new equipment combined with the necessary medicines.

Tirana, date 01.02.2003

P.S.  This statement issued by the AHC had a large echo in the public opinion and a special program was organized by a TV channel with the participation of a representative of the AHC.