An unpardonable indifference of the authorities

It is typhus disease which is defused in the city of Elbasan (Central Albania).  According to press reports, the situation seems to be very serious.  Up to now 14 people have been hospitalized in the local hospital, several of them being in grave condition.  Several of them have been sent urgently to the Central Tirana Hospital.  A 16 years old girl went to coma.

The epidemiologists have indicated as the source of the disease the water pipeline in Elbasan, containing harmful bacteria and abandoned to its fate.  In addition to these hospitalized the disease has affected five quarters of the city with 90 thousands inhabitants.  Time and again sick people go to meet doctors for consultation to find out what are the reasons of their illness.

This situation raises the grave responsibility of the health organs, which have not taken in time the necessary measures to avoid the rapid spread of the epidemic diseases.  The water pipeline has been left without any control for a long time.

According to the latest information, the disease has now affected more quarters in Elbasan.  The authorities have been late in taking the appropriate measures.  An emergency body was set up but not in due time.  Should the opposite measures have been taken to keep under continuous control the pipeline, the situation would not reach such a critical point.

The AHC expresses critical remarks to the public health authorities.  Negligence is leading to heavy consequences.  It is the moment to raise this question at a national level so that the public health authorities take in time measures to prevent the spread of such dangerous diseases.

Tirana, date 21.10.2002