Minister Sala resigns - Reason: international commitments in oncology and innovation
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, announced today her resignation from this position due to international commitments in her field of expertise: oncology - artificial intelligence - innovation.
"Today was my last meeting as a member of the government cabinet, after I accepted several important international commitments in my field of expertise: oncology - artificial intelligence - innovation. A year ago, I took on the great responsibility of Minister of Health and Social Welfare, a field full of challenges and difficulties," said Sala.
She expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Edi Rama for his trust and support, as well as to every doctor, nurse, professional and employee of the health and social welfare system who worked every day to make the system better.
"A special thank you to every Albanian citizen who wrote to me, suggested or asked for more from us. This year we have made important steps in healthcare. Many of them are visible today, others have just started. My commitment to Albania is not related to a position. It is part of who I am and will continue through my knowledge, experience and international professional network. Because tasks have a beginning and an end.
"But responsibility and connection to your country have no limits," Sala said, among other things.
Minister Sala's full reaction:
A year ago, when I was entrusted with the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, it was clear to me that we had to work simultaneously in two directions: to solve today's problems and, at the same time, to undertake reforms that change healthcare for tomorrow, with a single principle at the center: the right service for every patient.
One of my three main priorities has been oncology reform. Today, a year later, this reform has concrete and tangible results.
For the first time, we have established the National Institute of Oncology and are building the National Oncology Network. The strategic partnership with the National Tumor Institute in Milan will bring the most advanced European models of oncology care to Albania.
We have already approved 38 unified treatment protocols. We have upgraded three of the day chemotherapy centers with the principle: to bring the service closer to the patient, whenever possible and safe.
During this year, ensuring antitumor drugs and improving access to modern therapies have been among our most important challenges. In 2026, we added 26 million euros for antitumor drugs, introduced 21 innovative drugs and expanded antitumor drugs for hospital use by 23%.
But the most important result is not what is written in a report. It is what is seen in the patient. 17% more cancer patients have been treated by this expansion.
Part of the oncology reform has also been the strengthening of radiotherapy and imaging. Thanks to the work and dedication of the teams, the third accelerator with modern technology was put into operation and will soon be joined by the fourth accelerator.
But our work has not stopped at oncology.
Thrombectomy and DSA are already offered at the "Mother Teresa" University Hospital Center, while a geriatrics service will soon be established. A new hemodynamics laboratory has just been established at the "Shefqet Ndroqi" Hospital.
We have significantly reduced waiting times for advanced diagnostic examinations, such as scanners and MRIs.
At the same time, we have begun the transition towards "paperless" hospitals, where information follows the patient and not the patient the papers. We are creating the conditions for a connected healthcare ecosystem, where clinical and imaging information is securely accessible in real time, relying on Artificial Intelligence.
But a good health system doesn't start in the hospital. It starts much earlier: with prevention, with timely check-ups, with an early diagnosis.
That is why we have: removed the age limit for Check-ups; doubled the beneficiaries of breast and cervical cancer screening programs; and expanded HPV vaccination.
And, above all, we have invested in the people of the system. In January, we increased the salaries of about 20,000 doctors and nurses.
But beyond salaries, we have worked every day to support and strengthen the engagement of the Albanian diaspora in healthcare. Today we have concrete results: from the contribution of diaspora professionals to oncology reform, to doctors who are directly engaged in the hospital system in the country.
Because Albania has extraordinary human capital even outside its borders and must always create bridges to connect this knowledge, experience, and professionalism with the country.
And caring for people doesn't end with healthcare.
As of July 1, we have doubled payments for children with disabilities and recognized social contributions for their caregivers. We have expanded social services in municipalities and counties and strengthened support for the elderly, children, and families in need.
All these results, despite my commitment as a minister and as a doctor, would not have been possible without the contribution of every link in the system: doctors and nurses, primary care professionals, hospitals, public health, administration, welfare and social inclusion.
I am deeply grateful to each of them.
Today, at the end of this intensive year of work, I am particularly grateful to Prime Minister Edi Rama for the trust he gave me to take on this responsibility and for the support he has given me every day in leading an institution with great challenges. I particularly appreciate the opportunity I had to bring to the Albanian public service the experience and professional standards acquired during my many years of international work.
I am also grateful to every citizen who has written to me, contacted me, criticized me, or suggested a way to improve a service, a standard, or a process this year. Public service only makes sense when it listens to the people it works for.
For me, this year has been a privilege, an extraordinary responsibility, and an opportunity to give back to Albania some of what I have learned during an international scientific and medical career of more than 30 years.
My commitment to Albania is not related to a task or an institution. It has been and will remain part of my work as an Albanian doctor, academic and professional in the international arena. I will continue to contribute with my knowledge, experience and professional network and represent Albania with dignity wherever I have the opportunity to make my contribution.
Because tasks have a beginning and an end.
But, responsibility and connection to your country have no limits!"
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