TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe.
Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. She said they require full transformation of the health system. She included prevention, screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment care in this process.
In addition, she said access remains the main challenge in Europe. She stressed that survival chances should not depend on patient residence. She highlighted early diagnosis as a key factor. She also pointed to access to innovative treatments and stronger system capacity.
At the panel, Sala presented Albania’s oncology reforms. She said the reforms aim to strengthen access, quality, and equality in services.
She said Albania will establish a National Cancer Institute. The institute will serve as a centre for integrated care, research, and education. She said the country will also decentralise oncology services through stronger regional units.
At the same time, she said Albania is modernising radiotherapy services. She said the government is improving pharmaceutical and medical device legislation. She aligned the process with European Union standards. She also said authorities are accelerating digital transformation in healthcare. She linked it to better coordination, referral systems, and health data use.
Finally, Sala said cancer policy success should not rely only on scientific progress. She said it should also measure faster diagnosis, shorter waiting times, and better-coordinated patient care.
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