TIRANA – A new alarming situation has emerged from Albania’s public healthcare system. Journalist Osman Stafa has exposed what he describes as unacceptable and degrading conditions at the Consultation Center in Tirana, where dozens of patients—most of them elderly—are forced to wait for hours on their feet, without even the most basic facilities.
According to the report, medical consultations are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, yet even by 10:23 AM, doctors had still not arrived. Instead of an organized system with clear time slots and proper patient flow, individuals are left waiting without information, without seating, and without any guidance.
“This is torture for patients. They have nowhere to sit while waiting for hours. Doctors are not showing up on time,” the complaint states.
The situation is particularly concerning given that around 70% of those waiting are elderly patients, many of whom struggle to remain standing for long periods. Some are seen leaning against walls or railings, simply trying to endure the wait.
The case raises several urgent questions: Why are consultations not organized in clear time blocks, such as 09:00–12:00 and 12:00–15:00?
Why are there no chairs provided for waiting patients?
Why is there no accountability for doctors not respecting schedules?
And above all: why are patients being treated without dignity?
This latest incident adds to growing criticism of Albania’s healthcare system, with recurring concerns over poor management, lack of standards, and absence of accountability. Cases like this continue to erode public trust, highlighting a system that appears unable to provide even the most basic level of service.
While institutions remain silent, citizens are left facing a harsh reality: long queues, disorganization, and a healthcare system that many feel has lost its human touch.